Hi Everyone,
A healthy discussion as ever and thanks to our hosts in Easter Kinkell tonight. Nothing dramatically new was discussed tonight so I'm going to focus on just one piece of correspondence that FCC has received to give you a flavour of how communities are rising up the political agenda.
All Community Councils have just received a briefing note from Margaret Davidson, Leader of Highland Council entitled 'Democracy... Changes in Highland'. The briefing note particularly focuses on the changes that are coming about in our democratic system to assist greater community involvement.
She identifies four main work streams that are underway:
- Localism - the creation of the new Area Committees (ours is Ross and Cromarty) devolving decision making.
- Community Empowerment Act - encouraging community ownership and participation.
- Commission on Highland Democracy - has been open for a while on https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2YZ788R and still available for your views, with a meeting with Community Councils coming up soon.
- Redesign of the Council - a major review and consultation with communities is underway to re-think the way THC operates and the latest information is available at http://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/3790/highland_council
Major change could be ahead over the next few years built on this current work so we'll keep a close tabs on what is happening and report back.
Cheers
Bruce Morrison
Chair /Secretary
