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Review of the scheme for the establishment of community councils

Final Public Consultation – 31 August to 1 October 2026

West Dunbartonshire Council is undertaking a review of its Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils in accordance with Section 53 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

At a Special Meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council held on Wednesday 26 August 2026, Council agreed that the proposed amended Scheme should proceed to the next stage of public consultation.

The review has considered the future structure and operation of Community Councils across West Dunbartonshire. This has included Community Council boundaries and membership, as well as governance arrangements, elections, meetings, finance, public participation, conduct, complaints and the support required to help Community Councils operate effectively and sustainably.

The proposals have been developed following earlier stages of engagement with Community Councils, the Community Council Forum, local residents and other interested parties.

What is being proposed?

The draft Scheme proposes a revised structure of nine Community Council areas across West Dunbartonshire, together with revised arrangements for Community Council membership and governance.

The proposed Community Council areas are:

  • Dumbarton
  • Renton
  • Alexandria
  • Bonhill and Dalmonach
  • Balloch and Haldane
  • Kilmaronock
  • The Three Villages
  • Faifley, Duntocher and Hardgate
  • Clydebank Central and Waterfront

The Scheme also introduces revised membership arrangements intended to make Community Councils more sustainable while recognising differences in population between areas.

At its meeting on 26 August, Council agreed that the draft Scheme should be amended to allow for an overall maximum Community Council membership of 20 members and that the proposed area previously referred to as Kilpatrick should be renamed Faifley, Duntocher and Hardgate Community Council.

Documents available for consultation

The following documents are available as part of the consultation:

  • Draft Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils
  • Appendix 1 – Proposed Community Council Boundary Map
  • Appendix 2 – Community Council Composition
  • Appendix 3 – Code of Conduct for Community Councillors
  • Appendix 4 – Community Council Complaints Procedure
  • Appendix 5 – Model Constitution for Community Councils
  • Appendix 6 – Model Standing Orders for Community Councils

An Executive Summary and Community Engagement Report are also available to provide background information on the review, the issues identified and the engagement undertaken to date.

Have your say

West Dunbartonshire Council is inviting Community Councils, citizens, community organisations and other interested parties to consider the proposed Scheme and provide their views.

We would particularly welcome comments on:

  • the overall proposed Scheme;
  • the proposed Community Council areas and boundaries;
  • proposed Community Council membership arrangements;
  • the revised governance arrangements contained within Appendices 3–6;
  • any specific amendment that you believe should be considered before the Scheme is finalised.

Where you are suggesting an substantive change, it would be helpful if you could explain the reasons for your proposal and how you believe it would improve local representation or the sustainability of Community Councils.

You can take part in the consultation by completing the online questionnaire:

https://forms.gle/aBg11wBZaaETCnJo9

 

The draft Scheme and all supporting documents can be viewed at:

Document Pack Bookmarked (Special) 26.08.26

 

Written comments can also be submitted by email to:

communitycouncils@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

 

Consultation closing date

The consultation will remain open until:

Thursday 1 October 2026

All representations received during the consultation will be considered before the proposed final Scheme is presented to a further Special Meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council.

The final decision on the amended Scheme will therefore not be taken until the Council has had an opportunity to consider the representations received during this consultation.

West Dunbartonshire Council
31st August 2026