Highland Council Rejects Public Vote on Local Authority Structure

Highland councillors have dismissed a proposal to hold an advisory referendum regarding the restructuring of local government in the Highlands. The motion, tabled by opposition councillor Ruraidh Stewart, aimed to give local residents a voice on whether they prefer to maintain the current large council or revert to smaller local authorities. This decision has raised concerns about the council’s accountability and responsiveness to community needs.

Stewart’s motion sought to ask the people of the Highlands a straightforward question: “Should the Highland Council be reorganised into smaller local authorities?” He proposed that this advisory vote take place during the next local government elections to ensure maximum participation while minimizing costs. The results would be published on a ward-by-ward basis as well as for the Highlands as a whole.

In his remarks, Stewart emphasized the importance of local governance, stating, “The decision should no longer rest with a few dozen members here in Inverness – I think it should rest with the people of the Highlands.” He noted that previous attempts to address the issue had been narrowly defeated, highlighting a recurring division among councillors that reflects the differing opinions within communities.

In response, Ken Gowans, the economy and infrastructure chairman, introduced an amendment that praised the council’s existing work. He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to resilience and economic sustainability, stating, “This council reaffirms its commitment to resilience, economic sustainability, and equitable support for all communities across the Highland region.” Gowans pointed out that Highland Council plays a crucial role in essential services and infrastructure delivery, which relies on revenue from concentrated tax bases.

Despite Gowans’ assertions, some councillors questioned the council’s claims regarding funding and project management. For instance, much of the financial support for key projects like the Corran Ferry replacement has come from the UK government’s levelling up fund, while the funding for the school capital programme has largely been sourced from council tax increases and debt.

Councillor Andrew Baxter reminded the chamber of a previous vote in 2021, where many current administration members had supported a proposal to ask the Scottish Government to review Highland Council boundaries. He criticized their reversal, stating, “What has changed is that they are now in administration.” Baxter expressed frustration over the lack of public engagement in discussions about local governance, reiterating that the council had not fulfilled its commitment to involve the wider public in decisions affecting local democracy.

The rejection of Stewart’s motion leaves unresolved questions about the effectiveness and accountability of the Highland Council, particularly in light of a series of high-profile failures that have plagued the authority for years. Observers now speculate whether this decision will have lasting repercussions for those councillors who voted against giving local voters a direct say in their governance.

As the Highland Council continues to navigate these challenges, the demand for greater local representation and accountability remains a pressing issue among residents, raising the stakes for future discussions on governance in the region.