People-power

It is surprising that neither Alice Kinghorn-gray, in her Perspective article “Power must lie with the people” (22 June), nor Bob Taylor (Letters, 23 June) mention community councils, the lowest level of the democratic hierarchy, which actually do represent “local people”.

Unfortunately they have no power and are kept on a short financial string, with members expected to serve without remuneration. No wonder they are poorly attended and their views usually ignored.

Community councils should be given the power to make decisions on matters affecting their neighbourhood and their elected members should be offered some financial compensation for their participation. That might increase attendance and make them accountable.

STEUART CAMPBELL Dovecot Loan, Edinburgh

Alice Kinghorn-gray writes “Power must lie with the people”. She seems totally ignorant that Scots have that power every time there is an election to our local councils. Perhaps somebody should tell her that the percentage who do vote is always shamefully low.

I hope she will find ways to persuade people to use their power by actually voting.

DONALD HARDIE Humbie, East Lothian