Council response to the Economic Downturn

Highland Councillors have adopted an action plan to assist Highland businesses, families and individuals cope with the economic downturn.

A leadership group of councillors will work with a task force of senior officials to implement short, medium and long-term measures to assist businesses find continuing work and provide individuals with advice on welfare rights, money advice and benefits entitlement.

Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of the Council’s Planning Environment and Development Committee who is leading the leadership group, told a meeting of the Council today:  “We are increasingly recognising the impact of the economic downturn. We have a key role to play in helping address this impact.  An important feature is that we work closely with partner agencies and the voluntary sector to support individuals and communities and also bringing us closer to the needs and challenges of businesses – large and small.

“We are clearly in exceptional circumstances and we need to be able to respond in a range of appropriate ways. But we are a caring and active Council and I believe we can make a difference.”

Already the Council has organised seminars to identify how best to help the local construction industry; how local food producers can find new markets; and how the tourist industry can stay competitive.

It is also channelling increasing funds into helping people who are encountering financial difficulties and need other advice, such as housing, employment and business advice.  Around £1 million is invested currently in the advice network, including CAB offices.  The Council’s commitment to provide another £100,000 from April 2009 will be brought forward into this year with a further £30,000 invested in the next three months.