Local authority approves coronavirus recovery action plan
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Highland Council has approved a recovery action plan with 11 priority areas including the economy, digital transformation and the reopening of schools.
It says the Covid-19 outbreak has significantly hit its resources, services and staff as well as wider communities and businesses across the Highlands.
It says the Scottish Government’s route map phased approach to recovery "will help to inform and guide" its own local approach to recovery.
"It is also important to learn from the many examples of innovation and collaboration that have emerged throughout the response to the Covid-19 crisis. This includes developing and harnessing a more agile and flexible workforce and reducing the need to travel through increased digital engagement and enhanced partnership working. - Cllr Alasdair Christie
Consisting of four phases it details the measures that must be taken and the likely changes to restrictions at any given phase of the recovery.
It says there will be a need to maintain an ongoing overview of continuing and emerging risks in the immediate, medium and long term.
Flexibility in the plan has been specifically designed to sustain a state of readiness for response and resilience, while supporting new approaches to service delivery, restoring political governance and nurturing economic growth for Highland.
Chair of the Recovery Board, depute leader Alasdair Christie said: “The council has a key role in Highland’s recovery from this crisis and as circumstances change, we will continue to work with partners and communities to support the wider economic recovery. It is also important to learn from the many examples of innovation and collaboration that have emerged throughout the response to the Covid-19 crisis.
"This includes developing and harnessing a more agile and flexible workforce and reducing the need to travel through increased digital engagement and enhanced partnership working.”
Convener Bill Lobban thanked everyone involved in the response to the pandemic.
He said: “The response from all staff has been tremendous during this entire period. I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of all members, to thank staff and to praise the positive, caring and can-do approach which has been demonstrated throughout.”
More to follow on this story.
