 David Alston - Highland Councillor (Liberal Democrat) | sitemap | log in
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News Releases & Press Coverage
Lib Dems propose changes to Council structure 18 June 2008 The Highland Council Liberal Democrat Group today revealed its proposals for bringing more local control to the Highland Council. The main proposals include the formation of five or six area-based committees and a strengthening of scrutiny at local level. There has been wide spread concern since May 2007 about the effect of the restructuring of the Council, with claims from all parts of the region that it has led to greater centralisation and a significant ‘democratic deficit’. The Independent/SNP-led Administration set up its own backbench working group to examine these issues but excluded opposition Lib Dem and Labour councillors from the discussions. Speaking on the paper, Group Deputy Leader Cllr. David Alston said: “While we were disappointed at being excluded from the working group, despite this clearly being a cross-party matter, we hope that our proposals will be taken into account. “As the majority opposition on the Council, with Members representing all corners of the Highlands, we feel that the current decision-making structure is far too centralist, a trend made worse by the tendency of the SNP to use their position in the Council’s Administration to control council business tightly.” In addition to boosting powers of the Inverness City Committee to reflect its status as Highland capital, the proposals also include using technology to allow greater access to decision-making for the public through webcasting of meetings, and making greater use of video-conferencing to reduce travel time and costs. Lib Dem questions at Highland Council raise concerns for provision of affordable housing in rural areas 02 June 2008 Black Isle councillor David Alston is concerned about the viability of some local projects under the new funding regulations. ‘Small-scale, rural affordable housing developments have always cost more per unit than in urban areas where there are economies of scale. Until last year the government agency, Communities Scotland, recognised this and could agree at local level to fund projects at up to 30% above the target cost per unit. Now Communities Scotland has been abolished and this flexibility has been reduced to 5%, with decisions for any higher support being referred to Edinburgh – where, frankly, there is less sympathy and less understanding of the issues facing rural communities. There are some important small projects in the pipeline in the Black Isle, including the conversion of the old schools at Culbokie and Newhall for affordable housing. It is vital that these projects are adequately resourced.’ Check out the full story Democracy in the Highlands is disintegrating... 29 May 2008 Restoration of East Church, Cromarty 29 May 2008
Call on Council to allow schools to control the 20mph speed limit signs 11 May 2008
Council urged to fund flood prevention measures 11 May 2008 In a time of global warming -and a recorded pattern of increased rainfall and flooding risk the SNP-Independent Highland Council administration decision to cut back on flood alleviation and coastal protection spending seems short-sighted indeed. More... SNP-Independent administration disappoints - yet again 11 May 2008 |
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There'll be an open day at Cromarty East Church on 7 June from 11.00 am - 4.00 pm. 
Ferintosh Primary school pupils'