You can read or download all the documents below
COMMUNITY COUNCIL SCHEME APPROVED
The West Lothian Council has approved the new revision of the Community Council Scheme for the term of Community Councils from October 2025 to October 2029
Scottish Forum of Community Councils Newsletter
We are excited to share the 2nd issue of our newsletter, featuring information of interest to Community Councils across Scotland. Working together, we can make a greater impact.
Click to formally JOIN the Scottish Forum.
Use the Subscribe function at the bottom to receive this newsletter in your inbox
the JOINT FORUM of Community Councils in West Lothian
Next Meeting of the Joint Forum Executive
The Joint Forum Executive meets every month on the third Thursday of the month. Meetings are online by Google Meet. Get in touch to be sent an invite.
Joint Forum AGM and conferences
The most recent Joint Forum AGM was held on the 5th June 2025 at the Civic Centre.
The Joint Forum normally organises two Conferences a year which are open to all Community Councillors to attend.
WELCOME PACK for Community Councillors
Our Welcome Pack is a guide for new and experienced Community Councillors which has information about the Joint Forum, links to our social media accounts, joining our sub forums, Community Council documentation and a glossary of terms. Click to download a copy.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Terms of Reference describes the way the Joint Forum works and the rules it operates under. Last updated in May 2024. Click the link to download a copy.
Community empowerment
The Joint Forum believes that Community Councils should be more empowered and be given more resources. Our proposals were published in a document called the BLUEPRINT for Future Community Councils
FORUMS
The Joint Forum runs six West Lothian wide Forums to focus better on specific issues. They are Environment, Health, Planning, Police, Transport and Rural Communities.
Any Community Councillor can be involved so get in touch if you would like to join.
About Us
How We're Helping
The Joint Forum of Community Councils is a community-led organisation dedicated to local governance in West Lothian. Driven by our dedicated volunteers, we serve as the central body that coordinates local views and represents community voices in regional policy. We support our Community Council members through biannual conferences on key issues and in-depth training sessions.
Get Involved
Are you passionate about your community ? Let us know! Community Councils in every area of West Lothian are always looking for volunteers to help them make our Communities better. We'll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you. We're excited to have you join your local Community team!
Thank You
Whether you help your local Community Council through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our work through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our community goals without the help of supporters like you.
WHAT are Community Councils in West Lothian FOR
We are democratic bodies that are elected every four years and give a voice to the community we live in
Each Community Council is composed of local volunteers dedicated to enhancing their neighborhood. They convene regularly to address local issues and develop community-led ideas. Transparency is central to our work, all meetings are open to the public, and community views are actively sought and integral to our decision-making process.
We tackle every type of issue and make sure people know where we stand
Community Councils serve as a consultee for public bodies and developers on a diverse range of subjects, including planning and infrastructure issues. We formulate our collective views democratically. We maintain strict political neutrality, operating as non-partisan organisations dedicated solely to community interests.