Elections will take place next month in three community council areas – Pencaitland, Haddington and District (Ward 1) and Garvald and Morham.
People across East Lothian interested in becoming a member of their local community council recently had an opportunity to lodge nominations.
Due to the number of nominations received in these areas, elections now require to take place.
Polling will take place by postal ballot with papers due to be issued to the electorate in these areas in due course. All ballot papers must be returned by 7 October.
View the Notice of Poll which lists the candidates.
The election will be overseen by East Lothian’s Returning Officer, in line with standard election procedure.
All other community councils will be formed without contests and from 7 October 2021 all candidates will be considered duly elected. Read the Statement of Community Councils formed without a contest | Community Council election | East Lothian Council
As there will still be places available, these community councils can fill vacancies after they have been formed in line with their normal procedures for ‘casual vacancies’.
Background
Community councils are provided for in statute by the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1994. They are local representative bodies which are recognised as statutory planning and licensing consultees. Under the terms of Section 51(2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the purpose of a community council, in addition to any other purpose which it may pursue, shall be "to ascertain, co-ordinate and express to the 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".
Community Councils are run on a voluntary basis by local people. They act as a vital link between East Lothian Council and the local area and give residents an opportunity to speak out on local issues of concern. Meetings are usually held once a month.
Financial support to community councils in East Lothian has always been amongst the best in the country, with the provision of an administration grant and the Local Priority Scheme.
Under the Local Priority Scheme, each community council is granted a significant amount of money annually to enhance their local environment for the benefit of their community.
Each Community Council is also supported by an East Lothian Council Connected Communities Manager.