Portobello Community Council
Following the closure of the nominations period on Monday, 30 September, 2019 a new community council has been elected for Portobello.
Whilst there were insufficient nominations to trigger a public vote, 17 out of 21 available posts were duly filled.
Elected Members
Craig McIntyre
Elaine Murray
Miranda Hurst
Lee Kindness
Mike Leeman
Lauren Berrie
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Esther Gray
Ruth Wallace
Paul Goodwin
Fraser McNaughton
John Cleland
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Local Interest Groups
Group | Rep |
Brightons and Rosefield Residents' Association
Duddingston Primary School Parent Council
Towerbank School Council
The Wash House
Joppa Tennis Club
Portobello Amenity Society
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Catherine Etoe
Rhys Nealon
Geoff Lynn
tbc
Marjorie Thomas
Stephen Hawkins
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Statutory Purpose
The statutory purposes of the community councils are
set out in Section 51 (2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as follows: -
''In addition to any other purpose which a community council may pursue, the general
purpose of a community council 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''
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General purpose of community councils
The general purpose of community councils is to act as a voice for their local area. This
will involve them articulating the views and concerns of local people in their area on a
wide range of issues of public concern and make representations to the City of
Edinburgh Council, other public sector bodies and private agencies on matters within
their sphere of interest.
Community councils have a statutory right to be consulted on planning applications.
They are competent objectors to all licence applications lodged with the Council in
terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, which includes applications for
House in Multiple Occupation licences.
Community councils are the key community representative bodies within the local
community planning arrangements across the city of Edinburgh. Community councils
have representation on each of the 12 Neighbourhood Partnerships and have
responsibility for the decisions of the Neighbourhood Partnerships covering the
community council area they represent.
Community councils should engage widely with their local communities to represent
their views on the Neighbourhood Partnerships. It is essential that these views are
demonstrated to be representative of the community and the community council should
expect to be able to explain why they have taken a particular position on behalf of the
community. The community council will endeavour to devise strategies to secure
greater involvement by all sectors of the community.
Community Council duties
Community councils have a duty under statute to represent the views of their local
community. It is vital therefore, that they reflect the broad spectrum of opinion and
interests of all sections of the community. In order to fulfil their responsibilities as
effective and representative, community councils shall: -
Inform the community of the work and decisions of the community council by
posting agendas and minutes of meetings in public places, such as libraries and
notice boards; and subject to provisions contained within the Data Protection Act
1998, provide contact details of community council members.
Agendas and whenever possible draft minutes of community councils' meetings
should be circulated at least seven days before the date of the meeting to
enable their circulation to the local authority, relevant elected members, council
staff and other parties.
Seek to broaden both representation and expertise by enlisting associate
members onto the community council for specific projects/issues.
Make particular efforts to encourage young people and other under-represented
groups to attend/participate in community council meetings and activities to
ensure equality of opportunity in the way the community council carries out its
functions.
Maintain proper financial records and present financial reports at community
council meetings.
Liaise closely with the City of Edinburgh Council on any change in membership
(e.g. resignations, co-option) and circumstances.
A community council shall be non-party political in all its activities.