Community Councils

What are community councils?

Community councils are voluntary organisations that act as a voice for their local area and are independent of Fife Council. They help make sure local people have a say in decisions that affect their community.

There are 105 community councils in Fife. They were created by law under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, and every community has the right to have one.

What community councils do

Community councils:

  • express the views and concerns of local people
  • bridge the gap between communities and Fife Council
  • comment on planning and licensing applications
  • support local projects and activities
  • help shape local priorities through community planning
  • take part in consultations from the Council and other public bodies

They also play a role in the Plan for Fife, which sets out the long‑term vision for Fife.

You can read more on our Plan for Fife page.

Examples of Community Council Activities

Community councils get involved in many different local projects, such as:

  • organising events like galas, craft fairs and Christmas light switch‑ons
  • supporting arts festivals and community celebrations
  • helping during local emergencies
  • fundraising for community improvements
  • protecting the environment, including litter picks and safer walking routes
  • campaigning on issues such as traffic or leisure facilities
  • responding to consultations on local services
  • publishing newsletters and running websites or social media pages

Every community council is different and focuses on what matters most to its area.

Ways to get involved

There are lots of ways to take part in your local community council:

  • become a community council member
  • attend regular public meetings
  • follow their website or social media
  • contact them directly with ideas or concerns

Being involved can be very rewarding and can make a real difference in your community.

Meetings

Community councils meet regularly to discuss local issues.

Meetings are open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend.

You can find your local community council and how to contact them using our Community Council Directory.

Who Can Become a Member?

To join an established community council, you must:

  • be 16 or over
  • be on the electoral roll for the area
  • live in the community council area
  • not be an elected member of Fife Council

If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact your local community council directly.

Find out more

If you want to understand how community councils work, please see:

The Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils in Fife

The community council handbook

These explain how community councils are formed, how they operate, and the standards they must follow.

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