Moray councillors need to work together, report says
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Moray councillors of all political hues will need to work together if the local authority is to deliver its priorities.
That is the message of the Accounts Commission's progress report on Moray Council.
The commission found progress had been made in certain areas since its last report in August 2020.
These included the local authority’s financial position.
However it highlighted the need for elected members to collaborate more.
Following the resignation of Paula Coy in November, the SNP are in a minority administration with just seven out of 25 councillors.
The vacancy in the Elgin North ward will not be filled until May's local government elections.
There are also nine Conservative, eight Independent and one Labour councillor.
The commission considered that members had come together in responding to the pandemic.
Since then, though, relationships have deteriorated.
The commission's report said: "It is important that all officers and members work together to create a positive culture in the best interests of the people of Moray."
The authority is no longer at risk of running out of reserves, partly due to £16 million of unspent Covid funding.
However, the council will still have to find around £20 million to cover spending over the next three years.
Graham Leadbitter, the leader of the council, was pleased the report acknowledged the tricky political balance in the council, the challenges facing a minority administration and the efforts being made to overcome them.
Cllr Leadbitter (Elgin North, SNP) said: "Progress on our transformational improvement and modernisation programme has been recognised, as have the efforts to improve attainment and financial planning.
"Moray Council was previously considered to be insular and is now much more outward looking.
"I view that as a particular success.
"Putting Moray on the map with other councils, national governments and other organisations is key to getting the best knowledge on how to improve our services, as well as sharing our expertise too."
Frank Brown (Elgin North, Conservative) felt it unrealistic for the Accounts Commission to expect members from opposite ends of the political divide to work together.
He also questioned the findings regarding the council’s financial position.
Cllr Brown said: "Civil servants completely ignore the fact that we live in a political world.
"If we look at the Scottish Parliament do we see much of Ms Sturgeon and her gang, or Mr Harvie and his, actively working with Anas Sarwar and Douglas Ross? No.
"And even with Ms Forbes finding money down the back of the sofa, it still leaves the council with a huge deficit to find over the next three years."
