Latest news with #FinanceandResourcesCommittee
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Perth fire victims offered financial support from Perth and Kinross Council
The local authority has pledged £250,000 to help those most affected Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) will immediately allocate £250,000 to help Perth residents and businesses impacted by the devastating fire on Scott Street which tragically claimed the life of one man. The Finance and Resources Committee today unanimously agreed to allocate the funding from the council's earmarked reserve for Communities. At the Wednesday, June 18 meeting, councillors were asked to approve the financial move to support the local authority's response to and recovery from the fire. It comes after a fire broke out at 41 Scott Street in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, destroying the entire sandstone building resulting in the loss of several homes and a popular pub, The Royal Bar. Around 50 households have been displaced and several businesses have had to close, including the neighbouring That Bar and Loft Nightclub. Tabling the motion to make the funding available, Perth and Kinross Council leader Grant Laing said it was important the local authority helped those most affected. The SNP leader said: "It is still early days, and it is likely that there will be a call for other funding, but it is important that the council stands with our citizens and communities in their hour of need. "So today I am proposing the immediate allocation of £250,000 from the Communities earmarked reserve to support those very communities. This initial package will provide enhanced support for people and for businesses as well as recognise that the council is incurring additional costs too. "Specifically, as well as augmenting the Scottish Welfare Fund and Financial Insecurity Fund, this investment will assist residents affected by rent shortfalls, who are not eligible for other support. "For businesses directly impacted by the demolition and closures, funding to support their immediate recovery costs as well as future expenses linked to reopening or relocation. "Looking ahead, we may also look at how we encourage footfall back into the areas affected. "And finally, resources for the immediate council response including, but not restricted to, traffic management, additional staff costs, building safety and homelessness. "Clearly the council's response is still evolving. Therefore I further move that responsibility for the allocation of this funding will be delegated to the chief finance officer who will provide the committee with updates on its use at future meetings." The move comes following last week's announcement the Scottish Government had activated the Bellwin Scheme. He said discussions between council officers and civil servants around wider financial support were ongoing. Cllr Laing added: "However, that will take time. "This motion is about getting financial support out to people and business now." The motion was seconded by Finance and Resources Committee convener Stewart Donaldson and received the unanimous support of councillors. Perth City Centre ward councillor Peter Barrett "wholeheartedly" supported the motion and praised the council response, which included a drop-in session on Tuesday for those impacted by the fire and subsequent road and building closures. The Liberal Democrat councillor said: "I attended the drop-in event yesterday and was again really heartened by the council's ability to have all key agencies and essential support services gathered under one roof to assist the victims, the traumatised displaced residents and the businesses forced into closure." "We need to be there for them. So the measures proposed in this motion are vital if we are to reduce the stress, the anguish and loss that people have suffered and are suffering. We cannot eliminate that but we can do our best to support people through the coming months." Conservative group leader John Duff thanked Cllr Laing for bringing the motion to council. Cllr Duff added: "The consequences of the fatal and catastrophic fire in Scott St are going to be with us for a long time to come. "As a council, we have a duty to respond with assistance and I'm glad we've moved quickly to progress this initial funding." Deputy council leader Eric Drysdale, who represents the Perth City Centre ward, added: "Many have lost everything they had. "Others in neighbouring properties have also had to face significant challenges which will continue until they are able to get home safely, but the consequences of this tragedy will doubtless continue to affect them for months and years to come. "Then there are the businesses who have had to close and who may not have had business interruption insurance, and also their employees will potentially be adversely impacted. "Of course the financial effects are one thing, but we must also remember that one family has lost something even more precious, the life of a loved one, and I know they are grieving deeply as we all strive to take forward this recovery phase."
STV News
4 days ago
- Business
- STV News
Council to provide £250,000 to support those impacted by city centre fire
Perth and Kinross Council will provide £250,000 to support residents and businesses impacted by a fatal fire. A man died in the blaze that took place on 41 Scott Street in Perth city centre in the early hours of Saturday, June 14. The building was also destroyed in the fire and demolition work is already underway. Several residential and business properties remain closed for safety reasons, and 55 households have had to be rehoused as a result of the damage caused. The local council's Finance and Resources Committee approved releasing the money from the Communities Earmarked Reserve when it met on Wednesday. Councillor Grant Laing, vice convenor of the Finance and Resources Committee, said: 'It is still early days, and it is likely that there will be a call for other funding, but it is important that the Council stands with our citizens and communities in their hour of need. 'So today I am proposing the immediate allocation of £250,000 from the Communities earmarked Reserve to support those very communities. 'Specifically, as well as augmenting the Scottish Welfare Fund and Financial Insecurity Fund, this investment will assist residents affected by rent shortfalls who are not eligible for other support. 'For businesses directly impacted by the demolition and closures, funding to support their immediate recovery costs as well as future expenses linked to reopening or relocation. 'Looking ahead, we may also look at how we encourage footfall back into the areas affected.' Finance and Resources Convenor Councillor Stewart Donaldson added: 'There will be additional funding but it is vital we provide immediate support to all those impacted by the fire. 'This was a devastating event and I would like to thank everyone who has provided support to those affected. The response from communities across Perth and Kinross has been inspiring.' Perth and Kinross Council hosted a drop-in session for those affected by the fire on Tuesday, which offered advice on a range of issues. Partner agencies providing support also attended. A second session will take place on Friday. Supported by Pete Wishart MP and John Swinney MSP, it will have a focus on insurance issues. The event will be attended by representatives of Perth-based insurance firm Aviva and the Association of British Insurers. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Edinburgh Reporter
5 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Funding for the Tour de France approved by Edinburgh councillors
Funding for the Tour de France has been approved by Edinburgh councillors, after a senior council officer faced a grilling. In response to questioning in a council committee, the city's chief executive Paul Lawrence, said not seeking approval from councillors to set aside £1.7m for the race was 'inappropriate and should have happened.' Last Wednesday, city councillors got a memo saying that the leaders of the city's political groups had agreed in October to set aside the funds for the race. But at last Thursday's full council meeting, several group leaders said no such decision was made, and that the October meeting was limited to providing them information. At the time, SNP group leader Simita Kumar said: 'Group leaders were happy for officers to explore this with a decision to rightfully take place in an executive committee. 'There was no agreement from group leaders to authorise any funding – we simply do not have the power to do so within this forum. 'The governance of this decision has been wholly absent especially when there has been adequate time to bring this decision to committee.' At the Finance and Resources Committee meeting on Tuesday, Conservative councillor Phil Doggart asked council officers who made the decision on allocating funds for the Tour de France. Gareth Barwell, the city's Executive Director of Place, said that no binding agreement on the council's part in the Tour de France had been signed yet, but that it needed to happen by 30 June. Doggart continued: 'I will try that again, and with another extra clause at the end of it. Why was that not brought to councillors, particularly this committee?' Mr Lawrence said: 'I think the report makes plain that it's the view of senior officers, certainly my view, that that was a mistake, and that that should have happened in that process. 'The report sets out how we are going to remind all colleagues, including myself, actually, that that was inappropriate and should have happened.' Cllr Doggart asked a third time, adding, 'I still don't think I've got an answer to my not very difficult question. Who made the decision?' Mr Lawrence said: 'Myself and other officers, but myself primarily, were approached around the Tour de France. 'We consulted with group leaders because of timing, of trying to say, 'are we in to this'? But we were absolutely clear that consulting with group leaders was not a decision of the council. 'But given that we had a positive steer, I felt we were able to proceed with the ongoing discussions. But when a decision needed to be made, we needed the resources put aside, hence the process that we went through. 'I now regret, and feel we either should have either come to Culture and Communities [Committee] before that or this committee. 'But the decision, signing on the dotted line for anything, no officer has made such a decision because we haven't set the resources aside to do so.' The 2027 edition of the Tour will be the first time that both the men's and women's races have started in the same country besides France. It will also be the first time the race has visited Edinburgh, and the fifth time it has had any of its route inside the UK. At Thursday's meeting, SNP councillor Kate Campbell questioned the spend altogether. She said: 'There is very little explanation really of why we're making those allocations. We've had no reports to councillors, no noted to committee, about the value we're getting. 'We really don't know what the benefit to the city is.' Committee convener and Labour councillor Mandy Watt said: 'It is a shame that there's been procedural issues about this, because it's actually really exciting that this event is coming to Edinburgh. 'There's a lot of interest in it. It would be nice if the women's [race] was starting from here as well, but I think that's either yet to be decided or not going to be happening. 'But still, it's something to get really excited about. Hopefully, officers could be reminded – it's not just councillors being awkward, the process is there to protect the officers themselves when they take decisions. 'If the process had all worked as if we would have hoped, we would have all been really excited about it.' Council officers will provide regular updates to councillors on the progress of the funding, and what it is being used for, going forward. By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
STV News
5 days ago
- Business
- STV News
Councillors approve £1.7m funding for Tour de France race starting in Edinburgh
Funding for the Tour de France has been approved by Edinburgh councillors, after a senior council officer faced questions. In response to questioning in a council committee, the city's chief executive, Paul Lawrence, said not seeking approval from councillors to set aside £1.7m for the race was 'inappropriate and should have happened.' Last Wednesday, city councillors got a memo saying that the leaders of the city's political groups had agreed in October to set aside the funds for the race. But at last Thursday's full council meeting, several group leaders said no such decision was made, and that the October meeting was limited to providing them information. At the time, SNP group leader Simita Kumar said: 'Group leaders were happy for officers to explore this with a decision to rightfully take place in an executive committee. 'There was no agreement from group leaders to authorise any funding – we simply do not have the power to do so within this forum. 'The governance of this decision has been wholly absent, especially when there has been adequate time to bring this decision to committee.' At the Finance and Resources Committee meeting on Tuesday, Conservative councillor Phil Doggart asked council officers who made the decision on allocating funds for the Tour de France. Gareth Barwell, the city's Executive Director of Place, said that no binding agreement on the council's part in the Tour de France had not been signed yet, but that it needed to happen by June 30. Doggart continued: 'I will try that again, and with another extra clause at the end of it. Why was that not brought to councillors, particularly this committee?' Mr Lawrence said: 'I think the report makes plain that it's the view of senior officers, certainly my view, that that was a mistake, and that that should have happened in that process. 'The report sets out how we are going to remind all colleagues, including myself, actually, that that was inappropriate and should not have happened.' Cllr Doggart asked a third time, adding, 'I still don't think I've got an answer to my not very difficult question. Who made the decision?' Mr Lawrence said: 'Myself and other officers, but myself primarily, were approached around the Tour de France. 'We consulted with group leaders because of timing, of trying to say, 'are we in to this?' But we were absolutely clear that consulting with group leaders was not a decision of the council. 'But given that we had a positive steer, I felt we were able to proceed with the ongoing discussions. But when a decision needed to be made, we needed the resources put aside, hence the process that we went through. 'I now regret, and feel we either should have either come to Culture and Communities [Committee] before that or this committee. 'But the decision, signing on the dotted line for anything, no officer has made such a decision because we haven't set the resources aside to do so.' The 2027 edition of the Tour will be the first time that both the men's and women's races have started in the same country besides France. It will also be the first time the race has visited Edinburgh, and the fifth time it has had any of its route inside the UK. At Thursday's meeting, SNP councillor Kate Campbell questioned the spend altogether. She said: 'There is very little explanation, really, of why we're making those allocations. We've had no reports to councillors, no notes to the committee, about the value we're getting. 'We really don't know what the benefit to the city is.' Committee convener and Labour councillor Mandy Watt said: 'It is a shame that there's been procedural issues about this, because it's actually really exciting that this event is coming to Edinburgh. 'There's a lot of interest in it. It would be nice if the women's [race] was starting from here as well, but I think that's either yet to be decided or not going to be happening. 'But still, it's something to get really excited about. Hopefully, officers could be reminded – it's not just councillors being awkward, the process is there to protect the officers themselves when they take decisions. 'If the process had all worked as if we would have hoped, we would have all been really excited about it.' Council officers will provide regular updates to councillors on the progress of the funding, and what it is being used for, going forward. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Edinburgh Live
5 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
City to spend £1.7m on Tour De France start after councillors quiz official
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Funding for the Tour de France has been approved by Edinburgh councillors, after a senior council officer faced a grilling. In response to questioning in a council committee, the city's chief executive Paul Lawrence, said not seeking approval from councillors to set aside £1.7m for the race was 'inappropriate and should have happened.' Last Wednesday, city councillors got a memo saying that the leaders of the city's political groups had agreed in October to set aside the funds for the race. But at last Thursday's full council meeting, several group leaders said no such decision was made, and that the October meeting was limited to providing them information. At the time, SNP group leader Simita Kumar said: 'Group leaders were happy for officers to explore this with a decision to rightfully take place in an executive committee. 'There was no agreement from group leaders to authorise any funding – we simply do not have the power to do so within this forum. 'The governance of this decision has been wholly absent especially when there has been adequate time to bring this decision to committee.' At the Finance and Resources Committee meeting on Tuesday, Conservative councillor Phil Doggart asked council officers who made the decision on allocating funds for the Tour de France. Gareth Barwell, the city's Executive Director of Place, said that no binding agreement on the council's part in the Tour de France had been signed yet, but that it needed to happen by 30 June. Doggart continued: 'I will try that again, and with another extra clause at the end of it. Why was that not brought to councillors, particularly this committee?' Mr Lawrence said: 'I think the report makes plain that it's the view of senior officers, certainly my view, that that was a mistake, and that that should have happened in that process. 'The report sets out how we are going to remind all colleagues, including myself, actually, that that was inappropriate and should have happened.' Cllr Doggart asked a third time, adding, 'I still don't think I've got an answer to my not very difficult question. Who made the decision?' Mr Lawrence said: 'Myself and other officers, but myself primarily, were approached around the Tour de France. 'We consulted with group leaders because of timing, of trying to say, 'are we in to this'? But we were absolutely clear that consulting with group leaders was not a decision of the council. 'But given that we had a positive steer, I felt we were able to proceed with the ongoing discussions. But when a decision needed to be made, we needed the resources put aside, hence the process that we went through. 'I now regret, and feel we either should have either come to Culture and Communities [Committee] before that or this committee. 'But the decision, signing on the dotted line for anything, no officer has made such a decision because we haven't set the resources aside to do so.' The 2027 edition of the Tour will be the first time that both the men's and women's races have started in the same country besides France. It will also be the first time the race has visited Edinburgh, and the fifth time it has had any of its route inside the UK. At Thursday's meeting, SNP councillor Kate Campbell questioned the spend altogether. She said: 'There is very little explanation really of why we're making those allocations. We've had no reports to councillors, no noted to committee, about the value we're getting. 'We really don't know what the benefit to the city is.' Committee convener and Labour councillor Mandy Watt said: 'It is a shame that there's been procedural issues about this, because it's actually really exciting that this event is coming to Edinburgh. 'There's a lot of interest in it. It would be nice if the women's [race] was starting from here as well, but I think that's either yet to be decided or not going to be happening. 'But still, it's something to get really excited about. Hopefully, officers could be reminded – it's not just councillors being awkward, the process is there to protect the officers themselves when they take decisions. 'If the process had all worked as if we would have hoped, we would have all been really excited about it.' Council officers will provide regular updates to councillors on the progress of the funding, and what it is being used for, going forward.
