In England they may be statutory parish councils by another name, under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, or they may be non-statutory bodies.
The local authority will then undertake a 'governance review' to assess the request and to make a final decision.
In Scotland community councils have fewer powers than their English or Welsh counterparts.
Scotland's network of parishes was abolished for administrative purposes in 1930, when larger district councils were formed.
They set out the requirements of each local authority's "scheme for the establishment of Community Councils".
There have been a number of reviews of the role of community councils in Scotland, generally emphasising their importance to democratic renewal.
The establishment scheme will set out the exact procedure for establishing a council where one does not exist: a stated number of local government electors in the designated area must petition the area council, who will then schedule elections.
Community councils can only be dissolved if the number of elected members falls below the set minimum.
Like in England and Wales, the main role of the CCs is to act as a channel of the opinions of the local community, and have the right to be notified of and respond to any planning applications.
Although in places such as Orkney and Shetland, CCs are viewed as an important part of local government, and receive larger budgets.
The association represents the interests of councils across Wales and offers a range of other support services.
[10] The process for establishing a local council in Wales differs from England and Scotland.
A simple majority is required in the poll for a community or town council to be created.
[11] In May 2022 only three of Bridgend County Borough's twenty community councils had enough candidates coming forward to hold full elections.