Sir - I read Cllr Ian Ross' comments in "The Way I See It" last week (23rd December) with great interest.

Clearly, there are many opportunities out there, but there are also threats, not least the squeeze on council funding, something that is going to continue for the foreseeable future.

I therefore agree wholeheartedly with Cllr Ross' call for more thought to be given to the one pot of money that is growing - Community Benefit Funding - and for a more strategic approach to be taken on how it is spent.

More specifically, I hope that the money will be invested in initiatives that strengthen local economies, for strong local economies mean jobs, especially for the young; money for families to spend, and revenue for the council to invest in public services.

I therefore call on all those responsible for deciding how Community Benefit Funds are spent to keep economic development at the forefront of their thinking and to consult their local business communities for ideas.

The Federation of Small Businesses is certainly delighted to help in any way that we can

- Joan Campbell, chair, Caithness and Sutherland Branch Federation of Small Businesses.