NWSCC Response to Scheme of Establishment Consultation
NWSCC
Added at 13:38 on 13 March 2025
NWSCC has responded to the Highland Council's Community Councils Scheme of Establishment Consultation, which includes a proposal for a merger between the two Nairn community councils. NWSCC does not support a merger, the submitted free text response is below. The CC is in agreement with the other propositions, as set out in the full response, linked here.
NWSCC believes it is not in the best current or future interests of residents of a town of over 10000 to be represented by a single Community Council (CC), the largest CC at present in Highland is Thurso at 7300.
Firstly, given the widespread lack of engagement in CC participation, there would be a risk of an under-populated, single CC struggling to deal with all matters arising. Secondly, a single CC may have less ability to recognise or respond to issue in all areas of the town due to unfamiliarity, and, more importantly, it may lack of diversity of views.
NWSCC disagrees with any proposition that a single CC for Nairn will have more influence; we believe that an aligned position taken by two Nairn CCs of up to 23 residents will have greater impact than from a single CC of up to 13 representatives and, if the CCs diverge in opinions, it promotes balanced debate. The CC strongly disagrees with any proposition that a single CC will be more efficient; we submit that any perceived lack of efficiency is mainly borne by the CCs themselves and, if they are satisfied with the status quo, no changes should be imposed. It is unprecedented that two fully functioning large community councils should be proposed to be forcibly merged by means of a boundary change.
Finally, pressure for change stemming from local personal differences/disagreements should not influence consideration of on the most effective long-term representation for the town. The consultation process is in no way constructed to provide a conclusive result or mandate on behalf of the whole community on a merger, only the current CCs should be eligible to propose changes and NWSCC is not in favour.