Council / ‘Prudent and affordable’ budget approved by council
Shetland Islands Council
Election / Election planning an ‘additional pressure’ on council workload
Council / Another unsustainable draw on reserves expected but finances are ‘moving in the right direction’
Council / Broadcasting council meetings live would ‘open up the chamber’
Transport / Council motion calls for air traffic control project to be paused
Council / SIC keen to get to bottom of concerns over cars’ suitability for winter weatherInfrastructure director John Smith says the safety of staff is “critically important”
Community / Reassurances given over burial ground concerns
Marine / Redeveloped Toft pier in line to open in spring
Council / SIC receives accreditation after taking part in gender equality scheme
Transport / Design work undertaken on improvements to Levenwick road
Transport / Time to bump fixed links up the political agenda, councillors urge
Council / ‘Try every possible angle’ to tackle planning staff shortage, councillor saysShetland’s location pinpointed as a possible reason behind difficulty in recruiting
Council / New residential care facility for young people edges closer to openingEducation and families committee, meanwhile, is happy with children’s services budget for year ahead
Council / Hopes that direct contact will end ‘worrying practice’ of tankers lying off coastCouncil convener Bell ‘really pleased’ with response from oil industry
Council / Lerwick phone mast would be a ‘monstrosity’, meeting hears as appeal is deniedCouncillors also remove a planning condition for a new house at Scatsta following an appeal
Politics / Boris Johnson responds to letter on Shetland self-determination – and hopes to visit isles this year
Business / New fund to support businesses not eligible for Covid funding
Council / Council tax rates to be frozen
Council / Council tax expected to be frozen next financial yearCouncillors are also to discuss the creation of a Covid-19 support fund to plug the holes in government schemes
Marine / Oil-laden tanker departs – but weather is pinpointed as reason
Education / Don’t cut spending in education to plug any Covid funding shortfall, councillor warns
Education / Councillors seek reassurance over remote learningThe education and families committee also hears that staff in children’s services have already begun receiving Covid vaccinations
Council / Ferry cash gives council significant rise in expected core funding for year ahead
Council / Salt and grit mix to be used on roads as cold spell continues
Coronavirus / Council keen for government to explore testing of people travelling to islesThe issue has been part of ongoing discussions since last spring
Transport / Cashless advocate pleased to hear about card payments on ferriesCard payments would have been introduced on North Isles ferries by now if it wasn’t for coronavirus restrictions, councillor says
Health / Concerns in community over nursing provision, meeting hears
Council / Knab redevelopment project takes step forward after vote
Community / Councillors approve significant grants for six community projects
Council / Councillors request report on Viking Energy petition
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