Highland Council react to being ranked the worst local authority in mainland Scotland
Highland Council has said an analysis that ranks it as the worst local authority in Scotland ‘does not reflect the true picture of Highland’.
The analysis published last week by The Sunday Times ranked Highland Council at the bottom for health and education out of 29 mainland areas.
Convener of Highland Council, Councillor Bill Lobban has also said that he ‘does not recognise the place that the Times claims to portray.’
He commented: “Highland is the most fantastic area to live, work and do business which is why a large number of international businesses are flocking to set up operations here.
“We have a hugely ambitious, self-funded, development programme in education, housing and public services.”
In response to the analysis a Highland Council spokesperson said: “It is disappointing that a recent analysis on the performance of Scottish Councils has presented information in a way which does not reflect the true picture of Highland.
“The analysis does not take into consideration the unique geography of our region which serves a third of the land area of Scotland, including the most remote and sparsely populated parts of the United Kingdom.
“The methodology of the analysis includes selective data and does not capture the full context of the delivery of services. There are factors, were they included in the analysis, which would have shown Highland in a more positive light.
“For example, Highland compares more favourably in measures of attainment to other Scottish Local Authorities. Performance reports to the Council also evidence the continued improvements being made across services.
“Highland has an ambitious Delivery Plan in place which seeks to maximise opportunities and resources to improve the quality of life for its residents. A significant plan of investment worth £2bn will see wide ranging investment across communities in the Highlands, with over £1bn of capital investment in schools and roads over the next 10 years in phase one of the programme.
“The Council is also working closely with its partners to address the housing challenge and are on course with plans to build 24,000 houses over the next 20 years.”
