Another welcome announcement for the Outer Hebrides was the confirmation of £160,000 given by the Scottish Government to the Comhairle to mitigate the UK Welfare Reforms.

This money will go towards the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) to offset the effects of the Westminster Bedroom Tax. Those on Housing Benefit that find themselves in financial difficulty can apply to the council for help.

Welfare minister Margaret Burgess stated: "We are determined to do everything we can to help mitigate welfare cuts, incvluding the bedroom tax. And this funding will make a real difference to people across Scotland."

She continued, " We also recognise the huge financial pressures that have been placed upon authorities by welfare reform, this is why we have made available an additional £20 million to be distributed across every local authority.

“This is the maximum permitted under UK legislation and ensure that far more people can access the financial support they need.

"These unjust welfare policies show why we need the powers of independence to protect vulnerable people rather than simply trying to cushion the blows in Scotland.

"It would be far better to control benefits and welfare so unfair policies like the bedroom tax are not even considered, let alone implemented.”

Margaret Burgess met with the SNP Group recently to discuss such issues and listened to their concerns especially regarding the bedroom tax and other welfare reform cuts. Councillor John A Maciver commented :" I am happy to praise the Scottish Government for listening to the arguments against this ridiculous penalty (Bedroom Tax) on the most vulnerable in out community."