Income from Invitation to pay in Wester Ross to benefit local projects
At yesterday’s meeting of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee (Monday 12 June) Members approved a process to distribute invitation to pay income to support local projects.
Visitors are invited to pay a donation to park at six locations in Ward 5.
As per Council policy, 50% of net income, after costs, are passed to the relevant Area Committee as earmarked funds. Under this formula, in the 2022/23 financial year a total of £19,256 income was allocated for the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee.
The locations along with the allocation from the money raised during 2022/23 are as follows:
- Ullapool, Latheron Car Park - £9,296
- Dornie Hall Car Park - £528
- Gairloch Harbour Car Park - £590
- Kyle, Upper Car Park - £1,885
- Little Gruinard Beach Car Park - £2,363
- Plockton Village Car Park - £4,594
Members of the Committee have agreed a process that will allocate the 2022/23 Area share of invitation to pay income during the 2023/24 financial year. The proposal involves inviting a joint application from the Community Council and Development Trust for each area that has an invitation to pay scheme operating. Applicants will be encouraged to identify a project which is a community priority.
Chair of the Committee, Cllr Liz Kraft said: “By inviting car park users to make a voluntary contribution to park, I am delighted that a much-welcomed new income stream is set to benefit local communities across Ward 5.
“We will be getting in touch with the relevant community councils and development trusts and working with them to ensure that our share of the money is spent on bringing benefits to locals and visitors.”
Members noted that the process will be reviewed after the first year of implementation and that, under delegated powers, up to £10,000 of allocation would be assigned to the Senior Ward Manager and over £10,000 would be subject to Committee approval.