DISCLAIMER:

This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.

Simple terms explainer

Councils have a responsibility to give communities a formal route to influence decisions. When a community group submits a participation request, the council must review it carefully, check if it meets the legal criteria, and respond within set timescales. This process ensures that local people can play an active role in shaping services and policies that affect them, rather than decisions being made without their input.

Legal status

Statutory


Duty category

Community services

Community planning


Duty type

Compliance


Social determinant of health

Social and community context

Emerging policy and legislation

0

Bodies with shared interest

Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)
Improvement Service

Standards and frameworks


2