Highland Council agrees 'ambitious' programme to revitalise economic recovery from Covid
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Highland Council has agreed a “very positive” budget for the year amid general cross-party support for the plans.
They aim to address the dire impact of the Covid pandemic and other areas of local concern.
So as well as including support for jobs, businesses and training it also funds a visitor management strategy and more road repairs.
The budget was largely devised by deputy leader Councillor Alasdair Christie who collaborated with the SNP.
Even staunch critics of the administration, the Conservative group, praised the more open approach to ideas.
However, the Tory’s alternative budget was roundly rejected by 58 to 11 after it was tabled as an amendment.
It sought to ramp-up roads spending by £26 million and cut Council Tax by 1.84 per cent.
Instead, councillors held to its “ambitious” health and prosperity strategy.
The main elements aim to:
- invest in people, infrastructure, places and business across the region.
- Reform the council internally to make it more efficient.
- Make key savings to deliver a balanced budget.
That first plank will see a phased investment plan with a £6 million Economic Prosperity Fund to support jobs and businesses.
A further £1.5 million will go on a Visitor Management Strategy to help the region cope with the impact of tourism, including employing rangers to patrol remote areas.
Local investment comes in the form of a £2.1 million place-based investment programme coupled with £200,000 for discretionary funds that will see each ward get around £126,000 to spend.
The second element of reforms will be funded through a £2.25 million fund for Recovery, Improvement and Transformation.
In good news for householders, there will be no increase in Council Tax this year after a freeze was enabled through Scottish Government funding.
The budget includes sustaining non-earmarked reserves at a minimum of £24.7m which provides financial sustainability in the medium term to allow for future risks and enable future investment.
Councillor Christie said: “A more positive government settlement than anticipated, together with in-year financial prudence and building reserves during the previous year, has enabled a stronger foundation to address the many challenges we face moving forward.
“I would like to thank colleagues across the chamber for their support in agreeing the principles behind, as well as the detail within, the budget.
“This is a very positive budget for the Highland region, which will target resources to stimulate growth and recovery, thereby improving health and prosperity in our area.”
SNP group leader Councillor Raymond Bremner said: “These are challenging, and unprecedented times for our communities and we will all need to work together to help each other through the difficult times ahead.
“It is for the benefit of everyone that we continue to work together on a programme of recovery that regenerates the Highland economy and maximises all opportunities in our path.
“We are grateful for the significant funding received from the Scottish Government which is helping us to sustain our communities through this period. The investment agreed here today enables a more positive outlook for the immediate and long-term future of our Highland communities.”
The newly elected chairman of the corporate resources committee, Councillor Jimmy Gray, said: “A key plank of this plan is about protecting jobs and stimulating economic conditions, investment and skills to create new jobs and opportunities.
“The public sector is a huge employer and can make a big difference in this respect. The decision to rebuild our reserves will provide more resilience in the challenging times ahead to deal with emergencies.”
