Renfrewshire Council

Community councils are a voice for local people

A community council is a group of local people who volunteer to help improve the area they live in and the public services they use. Usually meeting monthly, they find out residents' views on issues and share those views with organisations that deliver services in the area—for example, Renfrewshire Council, the NHS, Police Scotland, and local businesses.

Community councils also act as a focal point for community activity. They organise galas and events, deliver local community improvement projects, and mobilise community efforts to reduce the effects of severe winter weather.

Renfrewshire has 25 distinct community council areas, with 21 currently having an active community council that represents all residents within their area.

Community council elections occur every four years

Renfrewshire Council organises community council elections every four years. During elections, all current members must stand down and can seek re-election.

What happens after a community council election

After an election, Renfrewshire Council will verify the eligibility of all candidates before publishing an election-results notice.

Newly-elected community council members will then be invited to attend the first meeting of the new community council.

Minimum and maximum members for each community council

Each community council has a set minimum and maximum number of members.

If a community council receives more nominations than their maximum number of members, we'll hold a ballot election. If the number of nominated candidates falls between the minimum and maximum, then those candidates will be elected unopposed.

If there aren't enough nominations for a particular community council, that community council won't re-establish. We'll then call for more nominations.

Charleston, Glenburn, Gallowhill, and Hunterhill don't currently have active community councils. Contact us at community-council.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk if you're interested in establishing a community council in these areas.

Active community councils in Renfrewshire