Local authority suspends community council funding

FORRES Community Council (FCC) has had its annual funding slashed by Moray Council.

FCC treasurer Graham Murdoch told the last meeting in the Tolbooth that budget cuts for all community councils in the area are likely to lead to difficulties for the voluntary groups that act as a mouthpiece and watchdog for the public.

He said: "The funding was £1260 per year, paid in two stages. The first administration grant of £631.34 was paid to us on December 1 but the next, which should have been soon, has been suspended. This will make things very difficult and is de-moralising for the community councillors that give up their time to run them.

"We spend our free time doing hours of work for free to try and to try and achieve what's best for our towns. No Forres community councillors claim expenses but we have to pay for the Tolbooth to meet in so by the end of the year, this will mean a shortfall."

Local Moray councillors Aaron McLean and George Alexander explained why they backed the cut.

Cllr McLean confirmed the decision was made after the budget line was agreed by all parties and groups at Moray Council.

He said: "It will be for one year but community councils will still get the help of an officer and free use of a Moray Council building for their meetings.

"This was purely their administration budget for a year as a lot of community councils are carrying amounts of money or don’t use the budget given to them."

FCC have ring-fenced £1000 for a survey of the Mosset Burn which is being choked up by siltation.

Cllr Alexander also confirmed the agreement to make the cut was made to try and balance the budget.

He said: "It was not a popular decision for me because the council will be increasingly in need of proactive community councils as the changes brought about by the Community Empowerment Act begin to take effect. Moray Council has been forced to lower its reserve fund to a dangerously low level and for one year only, community councils are being asked to do the same."

Finally, Moray Council Leader Graham Leadbitter admitted the choice was made during some "very challenging" budget decisions.

He said: "We very much recognise this is a challenging issue for communities and some community councils will be able to absorb its better than others."