This weekend, Liberal Democrats from across Scotland backed calls from North East campaigner John Waddell to set up a new economic development body for the region, following concerns for the future of the local economy under the Scottish Government.
- The full motion as passed can be read here:
Conferences notes:The need to rebuild Scotland’s economic post Covid-19, especially in rural and island communities.The need for strategic economic development to improve connectivity, infrastructure and long-term economic growth across Scotland.Since the election of the SNP government in 2007, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Scottish Enterprise (SE) have centralised control, cut budgets and reduced local accountability.Conference believes:That communities across Scotland require support for economic and social development which allows all communities to meet their own challenges in this area.That democratic accountability is vital for decision making that affects local communities, as those who live within the community understand best what is needed to ensure their future success.The people who know best what will help business to thrive are the people who run the businesses themselves.Conference calls for:The replacement of Highlands and Islands Enterprise with a revitalised development body, with local democratic accountability and a remit for the delivery of economic development, infrastructure construction and community empowerment.The creation of a new economic development agency for the North East of Scotland in this model.The Scottish Government to support regional and community decision-making at a local level and reverse its attempts to centralise economic and community development.