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Under reference to paragraph 7 of the Minute of Moray Council dated 8 May 2019, Councillor Ross queried why the savings related to the reduced library opening hours, Essential Skills and ESOL services had not been considered at today’s meeting.
In response, the Chief Executive advised that there had been a meeting on 17 June 2019 with interested parties in this field which had resulted in a number of issues being highlighted, however it had been too short a time frame to prepare a report for today’s meeting therefore it was intended to bring a report to the next meeting of Council in August 2019.
Under reference to paragraph 9 of the Minute of Moray Council dated 8 May 2019, Councillor Alexander queried whether a Business Support Officer had been recruited.
In response, the Acting Corporate Director (Education and Social Care) advised that the post had not been filled as it was still to be graded at the appropriate salary grade.
Under reference to paragraph 13 of the Minute of Moray Council dated 8 May 2019, Councillor Alexander noted that the deadline to submit grant scheme applications was 21 June 2019 and queried whether any had been received.
In response, the Corporate Director (Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure) advised that she was unsure how many applications had been received however she had received feedback from the Head of Development Services who was optimistic that the Town Centre Fund would be spent.
Councillor Leadbitter further stated that he was aware that the Economic Development Team was in the process of working through the applications that had been received and hoped to have further information in the near future.
Councillor Warren sought an update in relation to fresh food processing certification in the event of a no deal Brexit and whether the Council had sufficient Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) to cope with the required certification.
In response the Chief Executive advised that there had been no further updates in relation to Brexit however advised that previous guidance was that, as long as there was compliance with EU regulations, this would be sufficient.
The Corporate Director (Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure) further advised that the Environmental Health Service was working in partnership with other local authorities and was in close liaison with vets who have abilities in terms of the certification process. She further stated that provision had been made to enable para-professional officers to undertake certain elements of EHO roles which in turn enabled EHOs to carry out specific duties that could only be undertaken by an EHO in terms of the certification process.
Councillor Alexander raised concern in relation to the current budget situation of the Council that had resulted in a decision to charge staff for car parking and may see a cessation of funding for essential skills and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and sought assurance from the Administration Group that it is appealing to the Finance Secretary expressing the Council’s need for increased funding.
In response, Councillor Leadbitter stated that he regularly made representations to the Scottish Government through colleagues in COSLA, SNP Council Leaders and through Scottish Ministers and had spoken to Government advisors on a number of issues and would write to the Finance Secretary when the Council had a more certain position in terms of its budget so that a specific request could be made.