OIC’s government funding to increase by £1.5m

Orkney Islands Council is to receive increased funding from the Scottish Government next year.

Today, Tuesday, a meeting of the full council heard that a decision taken by Scotland’s 32 council leaders will result in OIC’s allocation from the government increasing by around £1.5 million for 2015/16.

OIC convener, Councillor Steven Heddle, said: “This increase in funding is very welcome. Orkney’s increased share of the overall distribution has been determined on the basis of need — however overall funding for local government is still declining in real terms.

“Against this backdrop in future we would like the ability to raise additional funds for the county through ‘community benefit’ payments derived from profitable major development projects in our area, thus ensuring that development is where possible done for Orkney rather than done to us.

“This additional income would benefit people across Orkney, creating jobs and providing our communities with a more sustainable future.

“This is one of the ‘asks’ we are pursuing with the Scottish and UK Governments through the Our Islands Our Future campaign.”