The Halkirk District and Community Council

Community councils should:

1. Positively support local government and try to establish close, constructive relationships with their local authority, with their local councillors and with other organisations active in the area.

2. Recognise the importance of developing a wider range of contacts than simply with local authorities. For instance, they can develop important relationships with the statutory utilities such as the suppliers of water, gas and electricity, or with a range of bodies with an interest in local amenity issues (for example, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Area Tourist Board, housing associations), both to communicate local views and to seek the widest possible range of possible means of support.

3. Actively seek the views, opinions and aspirations of the full cross-section of the community and be able to demonstrate that steps have been taken to consult the local community when appropriate, and in all cases be sure as far as possible that the views they express are representative of those of the community they serve.

4. Consider how best to reflect the spectrum of interests of the community and of other local community groups.

5. Ensure that their work is visible and accessible to their communities, holding their meetings in public and encouraging community attendance and participation, issuing newsletters and questionnaires.

6. Identify a contact point through whom consultation on planning, licensing etc can be co-ordinated and ensure that they are able to respond effectively to requests for views or for information.

7. Notify changes in personnel/contact point and make arrangements to provide holiday cover.

8. Encourage contested community council elections.

9. Consider the need for public liability insurance and legal cover, seeking advice from the local authority where necessary.

10. Express the views of their community on proposed plans or projects for that community. This should include positive support for acceptable schemes as well as criticism for those which are opposed by the local community. Where appropriate, suggestions for changes should also be put forward.