Opportunity to get involved with local democracy

On Wednesday, August 17, Angus Council will set the wheels in motion to select the county’s new community councillors with the publication of the Notice of Election on our website.

There are 25 community councils in Angus.

They are the most local level of democracy, made up of volunteers who care about their local areas and want to make them better.

Community councils are different from the UK Government, the Scottish Government, or Angus Council, as they do not make laws or run public services.

A community council is non-party political in all its work. Examples of activities they may undertake include, holding regular meetings; making representations on planning applications; organising events; running projects and carrying out community engagement.

Most importantly, they make sure the voice of local people is heard and engage with Angus councillors and services, such as Police Scotland, on issues raised by members of their communities and which matter to them most.

A council spokesperson said: “Community councils are at their best when their councillors combine to be truly representative of the community they serve – benefitting through both youth and experience.

“To apply to be a community councillor you must be 16 years old or over, on the electoral roll and resident within the relevant community council area.

“Community councils make a wide range of activities possible and promote the well-being of local people. They bring local people together to help make things happen locally. Many of them work tirelessly to protect and promote the identity of their community.

“Local democracy is as important now as it has ever been – be part of it.”

Elections will be taking place soon and offer a chance to get involved, represent communities and help to shape their future. Further information is available from the Community Council Elections pages on Angus Council’s website.