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Relocation of Public Sector Jobs to Rural and Remote Areas |
29 October 2002 |
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Mr Jack McConnell MSP 29 October 2002 Dear Mr. McConnell, Your emphasis on the relocation of public sector jobs to rural and remote areas is very much to be welcomed. I fully agree with the comments of our MSP, Alasdair Morrison, that not only is this process of benefit to the economy of the receiving areas but there is also an advantage to the taxpayers of the UK and a real prospect of increased efficiency of service. You will remember from your recent visit to the Western Isles and your endorsement of the economic regeneration strategy for the Islands - ‘Creating Communities of the Future’, that the Comhairle has been advocating jobs relocation as a key economic driver which would help to stimulate other areas of economic development. The decisions of HIE and the Department of Work and Pensions to relocate employees to the Western Isles is a very welcome development. There are many other agencies which could be located in the Western Isles but the most obvious is the Crofting Building Grants and Loan Scheme administration which is currently based in Edinburgh. Whilst the number of jobs would be relatively small, the beneficial impact on the Western Isles would be dramatic. May I therefore ask that you give consideration to the relocation of the CBGL scheme and other appropriate public sector agencies, to the Western Isles? The Comhairle has already identified suitable premises for office relocations to the Islands and if I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you. Alex MacDonald Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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