OUTER HEBRIDES LOCAL ECONOMIC FORUM MEETING

Minutes of Meeting held in WIE - Thursday 31 August 2006

Present: 

 M Maclennan, WIE (Chair)
 D M Macaulay, WIE
 R Robertson, JobCentre Plus 
 D Green, LCC 
 A Macmillan, VS 
 J Hay, Chamber of Commerce
 C Engebretsen, FSB

Apologies: 

 D McKim, CnES 
 A Campbell CNES 
 M Burr, CnES
 
Also Present:  C I Maciver (CnES),I Morrison (WIE),K Galloway (Careers  Scotland)                 
 
1. Welcome 

Murdo Maclennan, Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed those present.
Special mention was made of Bob Stewart who is retiring this week. Chair welcomed Rosemary Robertson as the new JobCentre Plus representative, and asked that Bob Stewart’s contribution to the LEF be recorded, together with our best wishes for his retirement.

2. Minute of meeting held on Thursday 18 May 2006

Approval of the minutes was proposed by D Macaulay and seconded by D Green. 

3. Matters Arising

Who Cares Wins
D Macaulay stated that there had been significant response to the initiative and some positive actions have already taken place as a result. A report on progress will be provided at the next Forum meeting.

4. Credit Union – Update

C I Maciver indicated that the key task was to get FSA approval for the business plan, which has been achieved. Key staff members have been recruited and the hope is that the Union will be open for business by the end of the year, with the marketing program happening soon. In response to John Hay’s query, C I Maciver indicated that the Credit Union is primarily for individuals and is not aimed at business activity.
The challenges of outreach in the Outer Hebrides and the importance of reaching the whole community were discussed by members, and C IM explained that various avenues are being explored and will be developed over the next few months.
A presentation to interested parties on the development of the Credit Union will take place in September 2006.

5. Transport Strategy

I Morrison stated that HITRANS are bringing forward the Regional Transport Strategy. In response to a request from HITRANS on engagement with the Community Planning process, the CPP have asked OHLEF to liaise with HITRANS on the development of the local strategy. Howard Brindley of HITRANS has been asked to join us at the next meeting of the Forum.
Members discussed the views expressed at local consultation meetings on the National Transport Strategy, and the methodology for further consultation. Members agreed that OHLEF would contact Howard Brindley of HITRANS to establish the best way to progress, to clarify timescales for consultation on Regional / National Transport Strategy and on how local strategy will link into wider strategy development.

6.  Renewable Energy Update

C I Maciver provided members with an update as there have been significant changes in the Beinn Mhor Power proposal, with a reduction in output to 159MW, and a corresponding reduction in community benefit from £3M to £1M.
 Lewis Wind Power are also expected to come forward with revised  proposals in September, and it is hoped that a revised paper outlining the reduction in benefits accruing will be available for presentation to members at the next OHLEF meeting in November.
The RE Supply Chain Group is hosting a Supply Chain event on 25th September at Lews Castle College, the Hydrogen Lab at Lews Castle College has been formally launched and the sub sea cable study is ongoing.
A meeting took place recently with Ofgem, who offered a range of different solutions to the grid connection issue, citing the successful connection of Tasmania across the Bass Strait as an example of innovative solutions being deployed. A follow-up response to Ofgem’s visit, citing the importance of the grid connection issue, is to be prepared by CnES.

It was also suggested that report highlighting the activities of the Community Energy Company be provided to the next meeting of OHLEF.

7. More Choices, More Chances

C I Maciver informed members on the background to this additional funding provided by Scottish Executive to address challenges in reducing the proportion of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). Members agreed that a working group should be formed as recommended (and adding Lews Castle College) to bring this forward as quickly as possible, with recommendations to CNES as lead CPP partner.  

8. AOB

I Morrison reported a Forum Co-ordinators meeting was held on 29th August to enable a more integrated approach to Community Planning at Forum level. Minutes will be forwarded to members.
The next meeting of OHLEF is scheduled to be held on 30th November 2006.