Scottish Government supporting island families

285 families in the Western Isles have benefitted from the introduction of the Scottish Child Payment, with a total of £52,100 paid out to families in the area so far. 

 The most recent Scottish Government figures demonstrate how many families in the Western Isles have benefitted from the support from its introduction in February up to the 30th June 2021. So far, 108,000 children across Scotland have benefitted from the payment, which provides eligible families with £10-a-week per child.

 Commenting, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar Alasdair Allan said: “The Scottish Child Payment is already making a huge difference to children across Scotland. This payment provides significant support to families in the Western Isles, and I have no doubt that this will aid in reducing the levels of inequality present in some of our island communities, as well as across Scotland as a whole.

 “Not only is the Scottish Child Payment giving low-income families extra support, but coupled with other payments such as the Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods, eligible families could receive up to an additional £5,200 by the time their child turns six. “I would urge any families in the Western Isles who have not yet applied to do so. 

 “In Scotland, we are building a social security system built on fairness, dignity and respect. Contrast that with the system at Westminster where the Tories are planning on cutting Universal Credit at a time when vulnerable families need it most.”

Comhairle nan Eilean SNP Group leader, Cllr Gordon Murray stated: " This will be of great help to households who are up against it as costs rise and especially when the Comhairle increases council tax by the maximum level every year. "

Concerns of anti-democracy raised during debate

 At a special meeting of the Comhairle on Wednesday, 25th August, a majority of councillors voted to consult on a corporate strategy 2022-27 with a view to implementation before a new council is elected.

Concerns were raised by SNP Group leader, Cllr Gordon Murray that there was no mandate to do this.

Cllr Murray stated in the debate:

"The corporate strategy or manifesto is hugely important and gives political direction for the next five years 2022-27."

"What we have here today is not democracy. From what I understand, no elected member has had a direct input into this manifesto."

"If passed today, the process of implementation will continue and the newly elected councillors will be bound to a manifesto that they did not agree to and that the people did not vote on and which has been put together on bureaucratic principles and not democratic principles."

"Lets treat our electorate with respect and not contempt and allow the new council, whoever they may be to chart the political direction for this local authority."

Amendment put forward by Cllr Murray and seconded by Cllr John Mitchell was as follows:

The council, wishing to ensure that the democratic process is fully respected, agrees to defer final consideration of the corporate strategy 2022-27 until June 2022 so as to allow for a full consultation with all affected stakeholders and communities across the Western Isles in order to allow the newly elected members to consider the Corporate Strategy particularly in the areas of renewable energy"

Councillors who voted against amendment:

Cllr Norman Macdonald - convenor

Cllr Roddie Mackay - leader

Cllr Paul Steele

Cllr Roddy Mackay

Cllr Iain Macleod

Cllr Paul Finnegan

Cllr Finlay Stewart

Cllr Keith Dodson

Cllr Rae Mackenzie

Cllr Angus McCormack

Cllr Charlie Nicoolson

Cllr Neil Mackay

Cllr Donald Crichton

Cllr John Mackay

Cllr Kenny John Macleod

Councillors who voted for amendment:

Cllr Calum Macmillan

Cllr Iain Archie Macneil

Cllr John Mitchell

Cllr Gordon Murray

Cllr John A Maciver