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Caithness News Bulletins February 2003

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COSLA DEBATE

The Highland Council is to seek a report from its Chief Executive on the work of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Colsa) and how it represents the Council’s interests and at the same time invite senior representatives of Cosla to address them a meeting of the new Council following the 1 May elections.

At a special Council meeting in Inverness today (Thursday), the Council considered a motion from Councillors Andy Anderson and Sandy Mackenzie seeking withdrawal from Cosla because they did not believe the Council was getting value for money from its annual contribution of £109,000.

There were three amendments to the motion.

Convener David Green moved a first amendment that the Council should seek a report from the Chief Executive and invite the President and Chief Executive of Cosla to an early meeting of the new Council ie after 1 May.

Councillor Bill Fulton moved a second amendment that the Council should seek the report and the visit from Cosla representatives on 10 April – the last meeting of the current Council before the elections.

Councillor Clive Goodman moved a second amendment of the status quo ie that the Council should remain as members of Cosla.

In the first vote, Councillor Fulton’s amendment defeated that of Councillor Goodman, 39-29.

In the seond vote, the Convener’s amendment defeated that of Councillor Fulton by 36 votes to 33.

And in the third and final vote, the Convener’s amendment defeated the motion of Councillors Anderson and Mackenzie by 44 votes to 23.

During the debate it was noted that Cosla, who negotiate the pay and conditions of teachers and council staff, require two years notice of withdrawal.