Budget on right track, say Lochaber representatives
Lochaber councillors have welcomed Highland Council’s decision to plough an additional £10 million of investment funding, including £5.5m for roads, into its 2022-23 budget.
The proposals, which were moved at last week’s budget meeting, also include £2m for climate action, green energy and jobs, £1m for innovation in education, £1m for early interventions in children’s services and a £0.5m boost for rural transport initiatives.
Councillor Sarah Fanet, Fort William and Ardnamurchan, said: ‘There isn’t a day when I do not deal with road issues reported to me by communities around the ward.
‘Our roads were allowed get into this state because repeated underinvestment previous years.
‘The people of the Highlands to of in expect us to work together in their interest and this is what SNP Highland has done by working towards a collaborative budget.
‘This is good news and will put me in a stronger position to support my communities.’
The council also agreed a below inflation council tax increase of three per cent for 2022-23. The increase, together with efficiency and management savings, was required to close the budget gap of £34m and deliver a balanced budget.
Councillor Allan Henderson, Caol and Mallaig, said: ‘All increases have been restricted to three per cent, well below RPI, and the council tax credit of £150 for those on lower incomes has been passed on,’ he said.
‘£10m has been set aside to invest in sustainable energy projects and £1.6m has been protected for exploring such options for a new Corran Ferry through design partnership with CMAL. This sustainable money could also extend to a new hydrogen heating network in partnership with SGN and Alvance for the benefit of greater Lochaber.
‘In general, council work will continue in its own efficient way through having our excellent staff fully resourced to deliver according to local policies.’
Highland Council says that in-year financial prudence and building reserves has enabled them to be in a position to invest in the Highlands while balancing the budget and recognising future challenges and risks.
Depute council leader and budget leader councillor Alasdair Christie moved the budget proposals.
He said: ‘This budget builds on the investment in the health and prosperity strategy developed in 2021 which seeks to balance our current financial pressures with the need for economic growth and recovery from the pandemic.
‘The budget is set against a backdrop of an economic situation with soaring inflation, rising interest rates, people facing impossible energy bills and unprecedented events in Ukraine.
‘Our health and prosperity strategy has already seen significant investment and today sees more investment which could change outcomes and change lives.’
Councillor Christie added his thanks to staff and members and added: ‘They are the lifeline of the services we provide and we need to empower people and work together.’
To see the budget proposal visit https://www.highland. gov.uk/meetings/committee/52/the_highland_council and click on the March 3 option.