Measures are in place to tackle the ‘significant setback’ to Argyll and Bute’s economy caused by the Covid-19 outbreak, officials have said.
A new report has outlined Argyll and Bute Council’s plans to overcome the financial obstacles which have been put in place since the UK was placed in lockdown in March.
The authority has continued to process and determine planning applications, has made all interim payments towards capital projects, and has secured additional funding from business improvement districts, along with other actions.
But the document, by interim executive director Kirsty Flanagan, also says that ‘it will take time’ to fully understand the economic impact of coronavirus in the area.
The council’s business continuity committee will discuss the report via Skype on Thursday.
Ms Flanagan said: “A key aspect of economic recovery will be continued collaboration with numerous stakeholders across all of the sectors including both the Scottish and UK Governments.
“Full account will also be taken of any emerging national economic recovery plan but it will be vital to ensure that the particular needs, issues and future opportunities faced by our region are taken fully into account.
“This may include a need to change our economic priorities depending on what direction the government of the UK and Scotland take.
“Influencing the direction of this from an Argyll and Bute perspective will be best done through the production of our own economic recovery plan, informed by collaboration and local partnership working, together with drawing in local and external expertise wherever we can.
“Given the economic shock resulting from the global necessity to respond to the public health implications of the pandemic it will take time to fully understand the short, medium and longer term economic impacts.”
A further appendix to the report lists 22 different measures being taken by the council as part of its economic recovery plan.
These include continuing to receive and determine planning applications, preparing business sector action plans, and making a submission to the Scottish Government’s active travel fund.
Ms Flanagan concluded: “Initial indications show the local economy has received a significant setback due to Covid-19 restrictions in common with much of the global economy.
“This report concerns the economic recovery of Argyll and Bute. The process of recovery has already commenced with a number of areas making progress in anticipation of the national economic recovery plan that may also have an impact on future economic priorities and direction of travel for our region.”
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