Special council meeting called to consider CHaP findings

A special meeting of The Highland Council is being held on Thursday 10 March 2011 at the Council Chamber, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5NX to consider the findings of the Accounts Commission in respect of the Caithness Heat and Power project in Wick.

The meeting is public and will start at 2 pm or following a meeting of the Education Culture and Sport Committee, whichever is the later.

The Council will publish its response to the Commission’s findings following the special meeting.

Having considered a report by the Controller of Audit into the failings of the Caithness Heat and Power project, the Commission found that the Council failed to establish effective governance arrangements and monitor progress effectively to ensure that appropriate control mechanisms were in place to manage the potential risks.

The Commission has recognised that since the Council took over the community enterprise, the company has addressed the difficulties in governance and financial stewardship and has taken action designed to avoid a similar position developing again.