Deadline for Community Council nominations approaching

1st October 2015

The deadline for submitting nominations to stand for Community Councils is next Tuesday, 6 October at 4pm. Anyone wishing to stand for a Community Council in Highland must have their completed nomination form to the appropriate Ward Manager by this date.

Community Councils are voluntary organisations that express the views and concerns of local people within their area across a wide range of issues from new buildings and roads to local services and facilities. They also have statutory duties and in some areas receive Community Benefit money from windfarm projects which they can reinvest in the community.

Anyone wishing to stand must be entered in the current Electoral Register for the Community Council area, or if aged 16 or 17 years old, have completed a Voter Registration application.

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "I would really encourage anyone wishing to play a greater role in their community to stand for a Community Council and to get their nomination form in by 4pm on Tuesday 6 October. The role of a Community Councillor is very rewarding and a lot of the focus is about making positive changes and improvements to bring direct benefits to people living and working in local communities."

"With the Highland Council emphasis on devolving democracy, I'm certain Community Councils are going to be playing a greater role in decision making and planning services for their communities in the future."

Where the number of valid nominations exceeds the members number of each Community Council a ballot will be held on Wednesday 18 November 2015..

Nomination forms and copies of the scheme for the establishment of Community Councils can be downloaded from the Highland Council Website at
www.highland.gov.uk/info/799/elections_and_voting/643/community_councils;
obtained on request, by e-mail to elections[AT]highland.gov.uk, or from the Council's Service Centre (Tel 01349 886606).

Completed nomination forms must be submitted to the appropriate Ward Manager and must be received not later than 4.00 p.m. on Tuesday 6 October 2015. Ward Managers will accept e-mailed copies of the Form, so long as it has been correctly completed and contains the signature of the candidate and witness.