West Lothian Council is required by law to have a Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils in its area. However, community councils are not part of the council's structure - they are independent bodies who run their own affairs.
The council arranges the community council elections which take place every 4 years in September or October. The most recent elections took place on 16 October 2025. There are currently 30 community councils in operation. A list of their office bearers Will be provided in the download section at the foot of this page in due course.
There are 10 areas with no community councils in operation. These are Bellsquarry & Adambrae, Bridgend, Deans, Knightsridge, Longridge, Polbeth, Philipstoun, Stoneyburn, Westfield & Bridgehouse and Uphall Station. Further information about the process to set a community council up in these areas can be found here Procedure to set up a community council (PDF, 15 KB)(opens new window)
The council provides basic annual grant funding and advice to community councils but what a community council does once it has been established, is a matter for each community council to determine.
The Community Council Liaison Officer is able to provide advice and assistance. They can be contacted by emailing community.councils@westlothian.gov.uk.
