State of the Nation - Councillor Graham Leadbitter, Leader of Moray Council

GRAHAM LEADBITTER, LEADER OF MORAY COUNCIL

Councillor Leadbitter gave the annual 'State of the Nation' address highlighting the challenges faced by the local Council in delivering services during the pandemic. He informed members of Rotary, that with the current restrictions being less constrained than during the previous year, many services are now operating normally. Transformation of services and new ways of delivering core services have evolved in response to the pandemic.

One of the key priorities has been to provide support to the NHS in its COVID response.

There have been enormous challenges in preparing a budget to respond to the pandemic, continue with the transformation of services, in particular education and to work towards the achievement of their environmental target of reaching Net Zero by 2030.

Councillor Leadbitter highlighted a few key results eg the Economic Recovery Strategy, the completion of Linkwood Primary School, the opening of Lossiemouth High School, Library and Swimming Pool, the completion of the LED Lighting Programme and the magnificent signing of the £100 million Growth Deal for Moray.

He stated that he is a great believer in strong partnership working and highlighted their work with the Community Planning Partners and the business community.

The meeting concluded with a lively Q&A session where Councillor Leadbitter answered a variety of questions on a range of topics that included the problem of seagulls, dualling of the A96, key priorities of the Growth Deal and Elgin Town Hall and the proposed Cultural Quarter.