WESTERN ISLES LOCAL ECONOMIC FORUM MEETING
Minutes of Meeting held in WIE on Thursday 17 February 2005
Present:
M Maclennan, WIE (Chair)
D Macaulay, WIE
B Howat, CnES
A Anderson, WIAA
M A MacIver WITB
C I MacMillan LCC
Apologies:
R Stewart Job Centre Plus
C Engebretsen, FSB
D Green, LCC
A Macmillan, WITB
Also Present: I Morrison, WIE; D McKim, C I Maciver, L MacPherson CnES;
1 M Maclennan opened the meeting and welcomed those present.
2 Minute of meeting held on 2nd December 2004
The minutes were agreed, proposed by B Howat and seconded by D Macaulay.
3 Matters Arising
Branding
Following a positive response to the recommendations made in the 1st stage, discussions are ongoing with the preferred bidder for the 2nd stage of the project. The importance of the initiative being bought into and led by the private sector was emphasised.
Creating Communities of the Future
C I Maciver informed members that Creating Communities of the Future is to be released in March 2005. The launch strategy is to be agreed by the end of February, after consultation.
Tourism Network Changes
Mary Ann Maciver updated the Forum on the changes taking place in April 2005. WITB will no longer exist, and its role will be assumed by Visit Scotland. Members highlighted the need for a proactive approach to improving quality standards, through the Tourism Strategy Group (VS, CnES, WIE) and trade associations.
Action Point: Tourism Strategy Group to report to next LEF meeting
4 LEF Stakeholders Conference 7th December 2004
The Chairman reported that the conference re-emphasised that LEF’s are seen by the Scottish Executive as the future key driver for strategy in local economic development. The members welcomed the lack of prescription on the way forward, enabling forums to be shaped to local requirements.
5 LEF Self Assessment – Response to Scottish Executive
Members endorsed the draft response, subject to the inclusion of actual examples of the benefits of increased partnership working as a result of the Forum.
Action Point: Draft response to be updated and circulated for final comments.
6 Rural Housing Issues Report
Members endorsed the findings in the paper, and recognised the significant effect on community sustainability and economic development of constraints on housing development in rural areas. The preference for one agency to lead on these issues was highlighted. Members noted that the report identified demand for public housing, but did not provide information on demand for private housing in rural areas. Members also recognised the importance of the role of the crofting community in land use issues.
Action Point: CnEs to act as lead agency in short term. Agreed to pursue a presentation to next LEF meeting on progress with the Hebridean Housing Partnership. LEF to write to SEERAD seeking “High” priority designation in the Croft House Grant Scheme for the whole area.
7 Action Plan Revision / Progress
A progress report will be available for the next meeting, with timescales for completion of actions. Members commented on the increasing regulatory burden being placed on public agencies (particularly as a result of the Freedom of Information Act) while under pressure to reduce administration costs substantially.
Action Point: Continued progress on actions identified, and a report on progress to be made at next LEF meeting.
8 HIE Strategy Review
The LEF has been formally approached by HIE to offer their views on the future direction of community and economic development in the Highlands and Islands. Members welcomed the consultation process and acknowledged the contribution of the HIE Network in recent years. CnES are currently collating a response which will be communicated to the LEF.
Action Point: Response template to be distributed to members, and LEF consensus view to be forwarded to HIE within timescale.
9 Forum Membership
L Macpherson asked that the LEF confirm that the membership consisted of WIE, CnES, WITB, CofC, FSB, WIAA, LCC and Employment Service. This was confirmed and members discussed how membership may be extended. Members suggested that additional representation could include representatives from the fishing industry, construction, Crofters Commission and trade unions.
Action Point: CNES to pursue options relating to union membership.
10 AOCB
Potential Strike Action Calmac
Alan Anderson expressed industry concerns re loss of customers and credibility at a critical stage for the local aquaculture industry.
Action Point: LEF to write to Minister responsible highlighting the lifeline nature of service provision to the area, and the need for alternative service provision should strike action materialise.
Renewable Energy & Effect on Existing Businesses
Alan Anderson expressed concern that investment in other sectors such as renewable energy related projects, placed the aquaculture industry at risk both from a loss of key staff and recruitment difficulties. Sector activity is year round and impacts on many other economic sectors including tourism accommodation.
Action Point: Members agreed it would be appropriate to invite renewable energy developers to present to the LEF.
Road Fuel / Transport Costs
Alan Anderson stated that this is a major barrier to competitiveness, and asked if the LEF could exert any influence to enable cost reduction. Bill Howat reminded of the findings of the OFT report on this subject.
Action Point: Conclusions of OFT review to be circulated to next LEF.
Car Parking - Stornoway
Alan Anderson stated that this is increasingly difficult and affecting business efficiency.
Action Point: CNES to address through discussion at the Member Officer Working Group.
Next meeting to be held on 19th May 2005 at WIE offices.
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