The role of a community council is to express the views of the community to local authorities and other public bodies, and to take action in the interests of its community.
The Council has just started its 4-yearly process to elect around 300 community councillors to serve on all 40 community councils across West Lothian for the period to September/October 2029.
Community councils were set up to ascertain, co-ordinate and express the views of the communities they represent in relation to matters for which public authorities are responsible, and to take such action in the interests of their communities as appear to be expedient and practical. They act as a voice for their local areas and provide an important link between their communities, the council and other public bodies. They each have a place on the council's 9 Local Area Committees.
If you are interested in what is happening in your local community, why not become a community councillor and get involved in the issues that matter to your local area? Community councils are consulted on a wide range of issues, including housing, roads, education, health, etc. They are statutory consultees on planning and must be kept informed about liquor licensing matters.
Community councils are non-political and anyone can stand for election regardless of background, gender or religion. The only criteria to becoming a community councillor is that you are aged 16 or over and your name and address, as well as those who propose and second your nomination, appear in the electoral register for the community council area.
Young people between the ages of 14-16 can also get involved as every community council is allowed to have four youth members. Youth members have full voting rights and can also hold certain office-bearer positions. A separate nomination form for youth members is also available on the council's website.
Nomination forms (which can be found below) must be returned by 5pm on Thursday 4 September 2025.
In any area where more nominations are received than there are places available, an election may be necessary. The date of Election will be Thursday 16 October 2025.
The 2021 Scheme for Establishment of Community Councils has been revoked. A new Scheme and suite of supporting documents were approved at a special meeting of West Lothian Council held on 20 May 2025 in time for the community council elections that will take place on 16 October 2025.
All community council secretaries and existing community council members will shortly be provided with a link to the Final Scheme, supporting documents and boundaries.
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 next elections will take place on 16 October 2025. There are currently 33 community councils in operation. A list of their office bearers can be found in the download section at the foot of this page.
There are 7 areas with no community councils in operation. These are Bridgend, Deans, Longridge, Philpstoun, Stoneyburn, Uphall Station and Westfield & Bridgehouse. 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. The council's Liaison Officer is Lorraine McGrorty who is based at West Lothian Civic Centre in Livingston. Telephone 01506 281609 or e-maillorraine.mcgrorty@westlothian.gov.uk.
The existing Scheme for Establishment of Community Councils in West Lothian and boundaries was adopted by the council on 31st August 2021 has been revoked. The Scheme sets out the basic rules which all community councils in West Lothian are expected to comply with.
It is supplemented by a Code of Conduct which all community councillors must abide by and a model constitution/ & standing orders which all community councils automatically adopt.
