Festive opening times and service changes -
Opening times and arrangements for council services over the Christmas and New Year period, including bin-collections. Most of our services will continue to be delivered throughout the festive holiday season.
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Community Councils

This page contains general information on Community Councils, specific information for Community Councillors and those interested in getting involved can be found in the frequently asked questions section linked below.

What are Community Councils?

  • Community Councils are governed by the Scheme for the Establishment of  Community Councils in Dumfries and Galloway (the 'Scheme'). The Scheme sets out how Community Councils should operate including elections, membership rules and meeting arrangements. You can view the current scheme here: Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils
  • Community Councils are made up of local people from age 16 onwards, who are elected to support their local community through consultation. They are consulted by law on issues that are important to communities and are also requested to consult with their communities on issues important to them.   They also have the right to receive notification of planning and licensing applications relevant to their Community Council boundary.
  • Many Community Councils are involved in local projects and they may also administer external funding for their community, in particular from windfarms.
  • Community Councils meet at least 6 times per year and all meetings are open to the public who are encouraged to attend.  Community Councils are supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council who provide a wide variety of support including governance advice, financial support, resilience support, election support and free training.
  • Community Councils can provide support at local level and forward on any requests.  However, many services are now accessible online and members of the public can report issues, eg potholes, direct through Report It on the dumgal website, www.dumgal.gov.uk   There are also dedicated Ward Officers for each ward who can provide assistance. Details for each Ward Officer can be found here 

Access the link below to find details about Community Council's in your area:

Find your local Community Council

Frequently Asked Questions and Info

Community Council Update

Community Council Discretionary Grants
Each community council is eligible to receive from Dumfries and Galloway Council an annual discretionary grant which will take account of the population included in the community council's boundary. To ensure eligibility, each community council must adhere to the terms of Section 11.6 of the Scheme.

The discretionary grant can be used at the discretion of the community council to further their statutory purposes, role and responsibilities only and for no other purpose.

The level of grant funding remains the same as for the previous financial year and payment of the allowance will be made in accordance with a procedure determined by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Claims will be considered on receipt of the following:

  • Evidence of a minimum of 6 meetings having been held throughout the previous financial year, including an AGM, for the avoidance of doubt an EGM would be in addition to this.
  • Satisfactory accounts for the previous financial year which have been certified by an Independent Examiner of Accounts and countersigned by the Chair and Treasurer.
  • Annual Monitoring Form (this can be found below).
  • BACS Form, if applicable (this can be found below).

Subject to eligibility and criteria having been met, the discretionary grant payment will be made by BACS transfer directly into the Community Council's bank account as soon as possible upon receipt of all the necessary paperwork.

Forms:

Please submit your claim to community.councils@dumgal.gov.uk by no later than 31 December 2023.

Elections

Royal Burgh Annan

Auchencairn

Heathhall

Kirkcolm

Kirkmaiden

Stoneykirk

 

Newsletter

For the most up to date information including guidance, examples of local good practice and funding sources, please find the latest Community Council Newsletter below:

Contact us

Email               Community Council Mailbox Community.Councils@dumgal.gov.uk

Telephone       DGC Call Centre 033 333 3000

 

 

Contact us
Page last updated: 06/12/2023
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