The existing guidelines say that meetings must be open for both the public and the media to attend and members have to be physically present to participate, but for obvious safety reasons this has not been possible in the months since the emergence of coronavirus. Now the council has launched a consultation on proposed rule changes.

South Lanarkshire Council’s Chief Executive Cleland Sneddon said: “The community councils play an important role but are finding it difficult to do so effectively in the current circumstances under the existing rules.

“Community councils are a key part of our democratic system and we want to make sure that local people understand and agree with any changes to their administration and operation. With that in mind we are holding a consultation on proposed changes.

“We hope by amending the rules in the face of the pandemic to allow more flexibility around meetings. We will also be implementing a long-term change that will particularly benefit those who live in more remote rural areas and wish to participate in their community council.”

Each community council will be able to decide the most appropriate arrangements to allow meetings to go ahead safely. This could include technology based solutions such as video and/or tele conferencing, which is already successfully used for South Lanarkshire Council meetings.

A Special meeting of the Council, held on 23 September 2020, agreed to an initial public consultation exercise on the proposed amendments to the Scheme which is now underway and will run until Tuesday 1 December 2020.

Find out more about the proposed amendments and explanation to the current Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils.

Anyone who wishes to make any comments on the draft proposed changes should do so no later than Tuesday 1 December 2020 at 4pm by emailing or by writing to the Community Council Liaison Officer, Administration and Legal Services, Finance and Corporate Resources, Council Offices, Floor 2, Almada Street, Hamilton ML3 0AA