Inverness councillor slams ‘arrogant’ rejection of motion to consider splitting up Highland Council
Highland councillors’ decision to reject a motion to seek a study of how well the region is governed has been met with criticism from an Inverness councillor.
Inverness Central councillor Dr Michael Gregson branded the rejection of the motion by Highland Council’s ruling SNP/ Independent administration as “arrogant”, insisting that an amendment proposing a review of services “will not cut it”.
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The opposition motion, which was defeated on Thursday December 12, cited public dissatisfaction with the status quo and requested a Scottish Government examination of the issue.
It had called on the local authority to “take up offers made” by members of the Scottish Government to conduct a review into what form of local government would best serve the Highlands.
But an amendment, tabled by Greens councillor Kate Willis proposing a review of the governance and funding arrangements of area committees, was instead backed by 37 votes to 32.
Dr Gregson said: “This motion recognised that Highland Council governs a third of Scotland’s land area, and that peripherality and population density present challenges in delivering services.
“After all, half of our population live outside settlements of 3000 or more. The needs of Scourie, Kinlochleven and Merkinch are different in many ways.
“The Scottish Human Rights Commission, only last week, identified serious current weaknesses, with people feeling alienated and excluded, and lacking access to many basic services.
“Housing, transport, education, health services, care services – these, and others, are all major challenges.
“This motion did not presuppose any outcome. There are many opinions on the best structure. In my own ward, many will believe Inverness should have its own council, as in burgh or district council days.
“And at least the old district councils were local government, as Highland Council can never be.
“I believe we should respond positively to the Scottish Government’s invitation to consider options. It seemed like a slam-dunk that anyone believing in local democracy would support it.
“But, weirdly, even though the SNP/ Independent administration claims to have the best interests of the people at heart, its actions on Thursday seemed very like those of a self-interested group, happy to maintain their own cosy power base.
“They – arrogantly - refuse to address the issue meaningfully. Conducting a gentle internal workshop or two will not cut it.
“There are great staff in Highland Council. There are some great councillors. And other agencies are also doing their best.
“But we should be humble enough to accept that maybe better is possible for the people of the Highlands.”
