Cash-strapped council to splash out on Canada trip

Sep 17 2010 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PROVOST John Hulbert has been given the green-light to organise a council-funded trip to Canada costing £2950 – in the face of severe cuts.

The council figurehead’s sub committee members agreed on Wednesday that a trip to visit twin-town Perth, Ontario, in September or October next year would be viable.

Only hours earlier council leader Ian Miller had warned that severe savings were required across the board.

Perth and Kinross Council’s democratic services head Gillian Taylor said: “The Mayor of Perth Ontario, his wife and a group of five delegates visited Perth in July 2010, to participate in the Perth 800 celebrations.

“The Mayor has indicated Perth Ontario’s desire to foster and enrich the historical bond between the two communities over the coming years.

“Following the visit, the Mayor of Perth Ontario has extended an invitation to the Provost to visit Perth Ontario.

The proposal suggests that the Provost, a councillor or council officer and an additional supporting officer will make the trip, costing £2450, with an extra £500 ringfenced for civic gifts and sundry expenses.

Provost Hulbert, whose wife will travel at her own expense, explained that on a previous visit to the town he felt that there were business benefits which could be taken advantage of.

He said: “They capitalise on their craft industry, it is part of Lanark County which has a large number of craft industries.

“When I was there some years ago I thought that we should be doing something along those lines here.”

Defending the costly jaunt, which will be funded from the twinning-budget, councillors pointed out that strengthening links between the towns was important.

Councillor Alexander Stewart said: “There is no doubt that the arrangements create business links.

“We would have to spend a little to get there but more comes back, so I am happy to support this.”

Cllr George Hayton, echoed Cllr Stewart’s sentiments, he said: “It is worth keeping these things up – it is a little embarrassing how many people come to visit us.”

Cllr Ian Miller also supported the proposal, adding: “I have to say, I was impressed with the enthusiasm about extending our links.

“We have a lot of things in common with them.”

Cllr Miller had earlier told the strategic policy and resources committee that savings of £9million over the past year were “impressive”, however continued to demand further savings “across all aspects of the council”.

Despite claiming that PKC was performing well in comparison to other Scottish authorities, he advised: “Any efficiencies we can achieve are good news, but I would remind everyone that we need to save £38million to balance our budget.”

The twinning with Perth, Ontario dates back to July 2000 when former Provost Mike O’Malley signed a twinning agreement. The last visit to the town by a delegation from PKC was in that year.