ARGYLL and Bute Council is set to appoint its leader on to a working group for a project which will see the authority partner with HMNB Clyde.
It is recommended that Councillor Jim Lynch (SNP, Oban South and the Isles) be appointed to the membership of the Clyde Transformation Programme governance arrangements.
Another recommendation is that Councillor Lynch liaises with Helensburgh and Lomond area committee chair Councillor Fiona Howard (Labour, Helensburgh Central) to ensure local issues are represented.
The area committee considered a report outlining the governance arrangements last month. The proposal includes a new structure of quarterly meetings, including two strategic sessions between the council and HMNB Clyde and the Scotland Office.
The details feature in a report which will go before the full council at its meeting on Wednesday, April 29.
Chief executive Pippa Milne said: “The proposed governance arrangements introduce a refreshed partnership model involving quarterly engagement, including both strategic sessions between Argyll and Bute Council, HMNB Clyde and the Scotland Office, and wider sessions involving Clyde authorities and partners.
“It is proposed that the governance arrangements for the Clyde Transformation Programme be formally approved.
“Separately, and in response to the request of the Helensburgh and Lomond area committee, it is proposed that the governance arrangements be strengthened through the inclusion of a democratically elected representative.
“Specifically, it is recommended that the council leader/policy lead for economic development (Councillor Jim Lynch) be added to the membership of the governance group, subject to the agreement of the Scotland Office.”
The report considered by the area committee in March said: “The Clyde Transformation Programme represents a multi-decade, multi-billion pound redevelopment of HMNB Clyde, including major infrastructure upgrades and new submarine programmes.
“This scale of investment has led to HMNB Clyde and the Scotland Office evolving their approach to partnership working.
“In discussions regarding these changes the requirement for a continued focus on securing socio-economic benefits for Argyll and Bute and alignment with local priorities (LOIP (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan), Rural Growth Deal, Local Development Plan) has been stressed.”
