What value it sees in community councils advancing local democracy.

The Scottish Government values the important role that community councils can play in ensuring that the views of the community it represents are reflected in local decision making.
The general statutory purpose of community councils is to ascertain, co-ordinate and express to local authorities for its area, and to public authorities, the views of the community which it represents, in relation to matters for which those authorities are responsible, and to take such action in the interests of that community as appears to it to be expedient and practicable. In that respect they can bring an important local dimension to the development and delivery of services by local public bodies.
A Scottish Government Community Council Working Group (CCWG) was invited to identify expanded roles and responsibilities for community councils. They found that many, in discussion and agreement with their local authority, already undertook a variety of roles and responsibilities, for example “ arranging minor repairs of certain local authority amenities, control of common good funds and Community Hall management/maintenance. However, in order for this to be more widespread, it was recognised that the capacity of community councils would require strengthening.
In partnership with COSLA and the Association of Scottish Community Councils (ASCC), therefore, we are continuing to raise the profile and effectiveness of community councils throughout Scotland to enable them to build their capacity and to allow them to engage as key participants in local decision making and delivery.