Partnership model at heart of Labour group leader's 'New Year challenge' to council chiefs
Dundee City Council must focus its efforts on economic development, the leader of the main opposition group has demanded.
- By Grant Smith
- Published in the Courier : 06.01.12
- Published online : 06.01.12 @ 09.34am
Labour's Kevin Keenan said his ''New Year challenge'' to council chief executive David Dorward is to draw up an affordable capital spending plan to help deliver jobs.
He also called for a plan to improve infrastructure in preparation for renewable energy investments.
Scottish and Southern Energy is looking to set up a wind turbine plant at the harbour, potentially creating 700 jobs.
''This city should look to develop a not-for-profit renewable energy co-operative that would deliver long-term benefits to the council tax-payers of Dundee, securing and safeguarding low-cost energy for this city's long-term future.
''This would send a very strong message to any future investors that we, as a city, are committed to renewables,'' Mr Keenan said.
One of the key development organisations is the Dundee Partnership, which brings the city council together with a range of public sector bodies.
The Labour group leader said: ''The Dundee Partnership must further grow and expand across all sectors of civic life. Partnership agreements need to be made with local business so contracts are awarded within the city.
''These business arrangements need to focus on best value for the taxpayer, whilst ensuring that every penny spent is a penny spent in Dundee to safeguard our city's wider economy.
''A small team must be established within the city with membership from a cross-section of people from civic life with business knowledge. This team's remit will be to lever investment into Dundee and to maximise Dundee's share of any European and housing investment funding.''
He added that it was possible for the council to borrow money at competitive rates via the public works lending board, despite cuts in its capital allocation by the Scottish Government.
''We should not fear spending our monies on ambitious plans that will deliver maximum economic growth and long-term benefits to the city,'' Mr Keenan said.
A council spokesman said: ''A detailed capital plan designed to take the city forward over the next few years is nearing completion. This will be discussed by city councillors as part of the overall budget setting process next month.
''Over several years, we have encouraged local companies to take opportunities to bid for council contracts and this will continue into the period covered by the new capital plan.''
08.26am - 09.01.2012 Matt, student - Dundee, UK Report This
Although a supporter of Scottish Labour, it remains a fact that contracts were awarded to the lowest bidder, Dundee House being a casein point. That said, contracts should be awarded to Dundee-based companies before outsiders.
03.48pm - 09.01.2012 Cory Douglas Campbell - Maryfield, Scotland Report This
@Matt U can't have your cake & eat it too. UK, Scotland all agreed EU procurement law & without this law all Dundee companies would have ZERO access to EU bids & contracts. No contracts = no jobs! Would it be nice to have all Dundees needs made here? Sure just stay out of Tesco, Adsa, Lidl, Aldi!
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