Bringing local people to the heart of local decision making

Communities across Renfrewshire are being asked to shape the future of community level governance in the area after a review of the present structure was carried out.

Proposals have been put forward to redesign the formal structure and follow a partnership approach between the Council and the community, following an initial round of engagement with local communities, as well as a review of community governance arrangements in other council areas.

The consultation outlines nine proposals across five themes, Function, Membership, Boundaries, Meetings and Grants, which require feedback to ensure they accurately reflect the views and requirements of the Renfrewshire community.

The issues raised range from making meetings more accessible and participative to having local grants for smaller local projects, as well as a change to the current boundaries which would see them come into line with community councils and balancing voting rights between councillors and community members.

Renfrewshire Council Leader, Councillor Iain Nicolson, said: “Our aim is to have a model of community governance that reflects the views and requirements of our communities and this is a real chance for them to have their say in the way decisions are made at a local level.

“We have undertaken extensive engagement with a range of stakeholders when developing these proposals but we recognise the need to talk to as wide a range of people as possible to ensure any new system is as effective as possible.

“This is about what works best for our communities and therefore it is vital we work together to design and deliver a model that meets their needs.

“Please take the opportunity to put forward your opinions at one of our local events or have your say through our online consultation.”

A series of events and drop in sessions will take place to allow questions to be asked on the proposals, with the community encouraged to take the opportunity to attend.

• 7 March, 10.00am-1.30pm – Johnstone Town Hall
• 12 March, 4.30pm-6.30pm – Renfrew Town Hall
• 13 March, 4.30pm-6.30pm – Tweedie Hall, Linwood
• 14 March, 4.30pm-6.30pm – Bishopton Community Centre
• 15 March, 4.30pm-6.30pm – McKillop Institute, Lochwinnoch
• 20 March, 5.30pm-8.30pm – Paisley Town Hall
• 22 March, 4.30pm-6.00pm – Erskine Sports Centre

Alan McNiven, Chief Executive of Engage Renfrewshire, said: “The review of the Local Area Committees in Renfrewshire is all about delivering the best possible community engagement practice.

“Involving community members in decision making is at the heart of community planning practice and this is the chance for local people to help Renfrewshire’s partners shape the future of our local engagement approaches.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to get along to the events and get involved.”

In addition to attending events, residents can access the consultation, which closes on 15 April, online via: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/communitylevelgovernance