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 31 community councils in operation. A list of their office bearers can be found below.
There are 9 areas with no community councils in operation. These are Bellsquarry & Adambrae, Bridgend, Deans, Knightsridge, Longridge, Philipstoun, 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. They can be contacted by emailing community.councils@westlothian.gov.uk.
