Call for more power and support on isles’ community councils

More say in local funding, younger members and training on key issues were among the proposals raised as Shetland Islands Council (SIC) discussed a shake-up of community councils yesterday.

The local authority will launch a second phase of consultation on the isles’ community council scheme in mid-April.

And there was support from some in the chamber for community councils to be given more power.

Shetland Central member Ian Scott suggested Scalloway Community Council’s voice was not heard when it expressed its views against “the windmills”.

Convener Andrea Manson said the SIC is bound by legislation when it comes to deciding on planning matters.

The meeting was also told there are constraints on the powers community councils can have because they are not legal entities.

Shetland Central’s Davie Sandison said there was frustration about an inability to get things done “because they don’t get the answers they need”. He said: “I’ve seen good people come onto community councils and leave because they’re

frustrated at things never being resolved.”

Mr Sandison also suggested expanding participatory budgeting, involving the community in funding decisions.

Meanwhile there was praise for a plan to allow 12 to 16-year-olds to take part in meetings.

And Lerwick councillor John Fraser suggested mandatory training in areas such as planning.

Legal chief Jan Riise said community councillors are offered training and that there is generally a good take-up. In response to concerns about making it mandatory for volunteers, Mr Fraser raised the idea of a “planning or licensing champion” on community councils who would receive training.

Davie Sandison.