Highland Council leader defends City Deal after critical internal audit
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Margaret Davidson has spoken out after a report by the local authority’s auditors raised concerns about the way aspects of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal have been handled.
Auditors highlighted “weaknesses” in systems that could put “objectives at risk”, highlighting how £1.2 million of £3 million given by the Scottish Government had not yet been spent on the Inverness Castle redevelopment despite being received three years ago.
Today Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson insisted: “The Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal is delivering on the ground.
“Earlier this week in Thurso, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and partners officially opened the first Norwegian style learning centre or ‘Newton Room’ in the UK; and the second Newton Room will be opened on April 2 in Caol at Fort William.
“These Newton Rooms are designed to inspire more young people to become interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, also known as STEM subjects.”
The Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal is also providing new affordable “FitHomes” for people in Highland and free WiFi has rolled out in 15 towns including Alness, Aviemore, Dingwall, Drumnadrochit, Fort Augustus, Invergordon, Nairn, Tain and Ullapool as well as Inverness.
Cllr Davidson added: “The internal audit has identified valid concerns about financial and other governance issues.
“These have been addressed by additional staff help and financial controls.
“The wider governance matters will be discussed as soon as is practicable by group leaders and the chair and vice chair of audit and scrutiny.”
Cllr Graham MacKenzie, chairman of the council’s audit and scrutiny committee said: “I am heartened to hear of the continued scrutiny of this project and we can be assured that improvements have been made since the report was written”
