Community Engagement Events on Service Redesign *Updated*
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is hosting Community Engagement Events throughout November focussing on a radical programme of Service Redesign.
Local Authorities across Scotland are faced with significant financial challenges and possible cuts to local services as a result of the enduring climate of financial austerity.
Comhairle Members are committed to work through all services in the Comhairle with communities and others to find new ways to protect public services.
Comhairle Leader, Roddie Mackay, said: “Given the very clear challenges which we face with the current financial climate, it is more important than ever before for us to ensure the best use of resources when delivering services.
“Since 2010 the Comhairle’s funding has been cut by 17% (the highest of any council in Scotland) and around 250 local authority jobs (FTE) have been lost in our community. Whilst we don’t yet know what our financial settlement from Government is going to be for the next financial year we estimate we will have to make significant savings.
“We have committed to making savings of nearly £10m over the next four years through service redesign but the fact is that even more may be required. I and other Members do not believe that we can just cut services. We believe we have to take a more imaginative approach.
“Officers and members have discussed a process of community engagement and empowerment aimed at identifying those issues that are important to local communities, in addition to investigating ways that could reduce the demand for some services, identify other services that could be more efficiently provided by communities, and agree which services could be changed.
“While this is a time of austerity and a threat to public services, this is also a time of opportunity if we work together to engage communities as partners in change.”
The Community Engagement Events will take place as follows:
|
Barra, Vatersay, Eriskay and South Uist (Barra) |
Thurs, 1 Nov 2018 |
7.00-9.00pm |
Castlebay School |
|
Loch A Tuath |
Mon, 5 Nov 2018 |
7.00-9.00pm |
Back School |
|
Na Hearadh agus Ceann A Deas Nan Loch (South Lochs) |
Mon, 3 Dec 2018 |
7.00-9.00pm |
Ravenspoint Centre |
|
Barra, Vatersay, Eriskay and South Uist |
Wed, 7 Nov 2018 |
7.00-9.00pm |
Daliburgh School |
|
Beinn na Faoghla Agus Uibhist A Tuath (Benbecula and North Uist) |
Thurs, 8 Nov 2018 |
7.00-9.00pm |
Carinish Old School |
|
Sgir’ Uige Agus Ceann A Tuath Nan Loch |
Mon, 12 Nov 2018 |
7.00-9.00pm |
Sgoil nan Loch |
|
Sgir’ Uige Agus Ceann A Tuath Nan Loch |
Tue, 13 Nov 2018 |
7.00-9.00pm |
Uig School |
|
An Taobh Siar Agus Nis |
Wed, 14 Nov 2018 |
7.00-9.00pm |
Lionel School |
|
(Barvas) |
Thurs, 15 Nov 2018 |
7.00-9.00pm |
Sgoil an Taobh Siar |
|
Na Hearadh agus Ceann A Deas Nan Loch |
Mon, 19 Nov 2018 |
7.00-9.00pm |
Sir E Scott School |
|
(Point) |
Thurs, 22 Nov 2018 |
7.00-9.00pm |
Sgoil an Rubha |
|
(Stornoway North) |
Tue, 27 Nov 2018 |
7.00-9.00pm |
Laxdale School |
|
(Stornoway South) |
Wed, 28 Nov 2018 |
7.00-9.00pm |
The Nicolson Institute |
Further Information: