Participation Requests

The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 is a new piece of legislation that gives communities additional rights, through having more say in how public services are planned and provided; owning or leasing land, assets and estates; and becoming involved in improving the outcomes of services.

Participation requests are part of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.  They are already a number of ways local people in West Lothian can get involved in decisions that affect their lives.  Participation requests represent a new way that community groups can make a difference to their community and to have more say about services in West Lothian.

Before you start

A Participation Request Toolkit (PDF, 323 KB)(opens new window)has been developed by West Lothian Council to give more detailed information on what a participation request is, who can make a request and the process in general.  We would strongly encourage community bodies to consider this Toolkit (PDF, 323 KB)(opens new window)and to discuss proposals with council officers before making a formal request. This will allow community groups to make sure that they are an eligible 'Community Participation Body', ensure they are applying to the right public body, find out if a joint application may be better, find out if joining existing processes may be more suitable and discuss any support and capacity needs. Please see the Toolkit for more information.

How to make a Participation Request

If you would like to submit a Participation Request, please complete theApplication Form (Word doc, 29 KB)(opens new window) and submit electronically to:  community.planning@westlothian.gov.uk or by post to Community Planning Team, Community Planning & Regeneration, 2nd Floor South, West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6FF.

The council's Community Planning and Regeneration team will be the 'gatekeepers' for requests to West Lothian Council. The team can be contacted at E: community.planning@westlothian.gov.uk

Groups can make a request to a number of public organisations.  The Community Planning and Regeneration Team can direct you to the appropriate contact if you are looking to submit or discuss a request with another local public body.

West Lothian Council Participation Requests

West Lothian Council have produced Participation Annual Reports for  2017-18 (PDF, 197 KB)(opens new window) , 2018-19 (PDF, 278 KB)(opens new window),  2019-20 (PDF, 436 KB)(opens new window). 2020-21 (PDF, 170 KB)(opens new window) ,2021-22 (PDF, 174 KB)(opens new window), 2022-23 (PDF, 176 KB)(opens new window) and the most recent report 2023-24 (PDF, 184 KB)(opens new window)

Participation Requests Received

Submitted by: Bathgate Community Council (BCC)

Participation Request: Increased awareness within the Bathgate community of the council's roads policies and where the community can influence and improve existing policies through local involvement.

Decision Notice: Bathgate Community Council Participation Request Decision Notice (PDF, 304 KB)(opens new window)

Submitted by: Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge Community Council

Participation Request: Request for a community council representative to become a member of the Local Area Committee.

Decision Notice: Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge Community Council Participation Request Decision Notice (PDF, 293 KB)(opens new window)

Submitted by: Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge Community Council

Participation Request: Request for representation on the Vennel project team and to contribute to the project briefing process to ensure the views of the community are taken into account.

Decision Notice: Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge Community Council Participation Request Decision Notice (PDF, 310 KB)(opens new window)

Final Report: Linlithgow & Linlithgow Bridge Community Council Participation Request Final Report (PDF, 171 KB)(opens new window)

Submitted by: Eliburn Community Council

Participation Request: Request in relation to safeguarding children, their parents or guardians attempting to get to and from the local primary school.

Decision Notice:Eliburn Community Council Participation Request Decision Notice (PDF, 202 KB)(opens new window)

Final Report: Eliburn Community Council Participation Request Final Report (PDF, 188 KB)(opens new window)

Information & Support

For more information on participation requests and the Community Empowerment Act, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 315 KB)(opens new window)

Summary Guidance (opens new window) from the Scottish Centre for Community Development is available. 

Guidance (opens new window) can also be found on the Scottish Governments website.