Crown Estate reform plans must benefit island communities
July 15, 2010 1:04 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael has today urged the Crown Estate Commissioners to ensure that island and coastal communities can benefit from any changes to the way they manage their marine portfolio benefit.
Mr Carmichael was speaking after the Chief Executive of the Crown Estate revealed that discussions with Treasury officials on the possible amendment of the legislation governing the body are underway.
Commenting, Mr Carmichael said:
'Too often in the past, the Crown Estate's actions have reflected the priorities of officials in London rather than the needs of those at the receiving end of these decisions.
'Reforms to the current rules governing the administration of the Crown Estate must not be just to the advantage of the Commissioners. Coastal and island communities should be given the opportunity to participate in the talks that are now underway and register their views before any changes are introduced.
'In areas such as Orkney and Shetland the way that the Crown Estate define and manage the seabed has a large impact on businesses and the local economy. Steps need to be taken to ensure that more of the income generated from the estate's marine holdings is reinvested in island communities and not diverted into other areas.'
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