Croft house grant proposals

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar SNP Group welcomes the council's support for the Scottish Government's Croft House Grant proposals.

Smart meters roll out need to be prioritized in Hebrides

Stornoway North councillor Gordon Murray has written to SSE requesting that the Western Isles be given priority in the Smart Meter roll out.

Stornoway Primary spatial issues

Western isles council SNP group welcomed the decision by the council administration to look at costs in addressing Stornoway Primary's issues with space especially in terms of the gym.

Letter regarding energy

Sir/madam,

One of the huge anomalies of the Western Isles currently is the fact that we have huge renewable energy potential and yet we have the highest levels of fuel poverty in Western Europe. The three oft-talked about reasons for fuel poverty are the inefficiency of houses, low incomes and the energy prices.

The Outer Hebrides Energy Supply Company (Hebrides Energy)has been formed with the aim to offer a bespoke community electricity tariff for households and business customers in the Outer Hebrides directly impacting on fuel poverty.

However, the council administration, at the last series of meetings, proposed to allow responsibility for setting the base tariff to a private company. In view of the fact that a private company's motives, as it is constituted to do so, is to maximize profit for shareholders, I, seconded by councillor Rae Mackenzie put forward an amendment that the responsibility of setting the price should be under Hebrides Energy. This would ensure that the base tariff would be set with consideration to the people of the islands and their circumstances firstly. We believe that the ESCo should be designed to maximize the benefit to every household of the renewable energy potential first and foremost.

Sadly, the decision for abdicating responsibility of the price to the private company which was proposed by Councillor Alasdair Macleod and seconded by councillor Donald Crichton gained support from the majority of councillors whereas I am grateful to the SNP council group for voting for my amendment.

I find it unfortunate that islanders will have a higher price of electricity as the private company adds its margin when fuel poverty is causing such distress to 71% of households across the islands and that this administration failed to take the price setting into public control.

I, along with the Western Isles SNP group, will continue to battle for the people of the islands and to ensure that our God-given resources are used for the benefit of all islanders,

Yours,
Councillor Gordon Murray

Air Discount Scheme increased by Scottish Government

The Air Discount Scheme, which offers a significant discount on air fares for travellers from remote communities, has been increased to 50 per cent.

More money from Scottish government to tackle fuel poverty

SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has today welcomed the launch of “Warmer Homes Scotland”, a £224 million Scottish Government scheme which he said is “helpful in tackling one of the Western Isles’ biggest problems”.

SNP MP on the case to bus operator

Bus passengers are reporting difficulties in booking bus services linking Ullapool to Glasgow up to a week in advance and Isles MP Angus MacNeil is now calling on the operator to put on additional buses.

Crime in the Western Isles falls by 60%

SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has today welcomed new figures that show crime in the islands has dropped by a staggering 60% since 2007. The statistics also showed that recorded crime in Scotland has reached a 41 year low.

Debate on electricity prices - responsibility of the public or private company ?

The debate on whether the ESCo should have responsibility for the base and tariff setting - the council administration disagreed with my amendment and decided to give responsibility to the private company.

SNP joy at Crichton comments

The Western Isles Council SNP Group welcomes the late arrival of Councillor Donald Crichton in joining them fighting for the unions.

A spokesman stated " We welcome all who will join with us in fighting for working people throughout the islands and although Councillor Crichton previously voted to cut the union representation, his late conversion to the cause is encouraging."

Senior western isles councillors out of control

The Scottish Government has launched proposals to ensure that vital power cable connections to island communities including the Outer Hebrides are safeguarded and protected from damage and disruption; to minimise the risk of cable damage such as that suffered in recent years, by the community of Tiree.

SNP Council Group pledge support for assisting with Europe's refugee crisis.

The world has been shocked by the images of children being washed-up on the shores of Europe while trying to flee war and persecution in their own homelands.

SNP group campaign for cost price electricity gets a boost from Ofgem

The Western Isles council SNP group were encouraged last week when Ofgem verified their view that local authorities can offer cost-price electricity to the local market.

Supplementary Question to Chair of sustainable development

As confirmed to me by Ofgem this week, electricity prices are not regulated and set by suppliers operating in the competitive market. I wax happy to see the option of the ESCo setting up to be a fully licensed supply company was to be explored by the Comhairle.

Supplementary question number two to convenor

The Home to School transport policy has caused safety concerns amongst parents especially in my ward , Stornoway North.

The policy has resulted in children in my ward standing in inadequately sized bus shelters or unpacked main roads - the busiest main roads servicing Stornoway.

Would he agree with me that this is unacceptable to place children in such a precarious position and agree to a review of the policy soonest to address these issues?

Convenor refused to give a response

First Supplementary question to convenor

Representations have been made to me that this (every child having equal opportunity) is not the case and that some of the old school estate, such as Laxdale and Stornoway Primaries,are unable to offer equity of provision despite an underspend of £3.8 million according to information received by myself from the finance department.

Comhairle refuse to respond to community concerns

Comhairle convenor and the chair of sustainable development decided not to answer key questions asked by SNP councillor Gordon Murray at last Wednesday's full council.

Fighting Poverty in the Western Isles

The Western Isles council SNP group extended an invitation to Councillor Angus McCormack in his role as Chair of the Western isles Poverty Action Group to hear the work Angus Brendan Macneil MP has been doing to address the island’s poverty issues and to support our future campaign.

SNP IS ALTERNATIVE TO PAIN OF AUSTERITY

A vote for the SNP on 7^th May is a vote to safeguard the most vulnerable people in society, says Angus Brendan MacNeil SNP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar.

Labour machinery within western isles council

Western Isles Council on 21st April confirmed it considered £50 Million required to be saved over the next 5 years reading from the Manifesto of Westminster austerity parties of Labour and Conservative.  On 28th April it issued a press release stating £15million may be the order of magnitude; avoiding any reference whatever to its earlier prediction.

SNP PLEDGE MORE SUPPORT FOR SCOTLAND’S CARERS

CARERS DESERVE A FAIR DEAL FROM WESTMINSTER
 Angus Brendan MacNeil SNP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar has welcomed the announcement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who has confirmed that SNP MPs would argue for extra support for carers across the UK – in contrast to Labour, who make no mention of the Carers Allowance in their manifesto.

The SNP manifesto has proposed increasing carers allowance to the same level as job seekers allowance, delivering up to £600 extra for over 100,000 unpaid carers in Scotland.

Carers allowance is currently £62 per week, whilst Jobseekers allowance is set at £73.

Commenting Angus MacNeil SNP, Na h-Eileanan an Iar said:

“The issue of carers is very important across the islands, indeed some of the doors I have knocked during this campaign have been answered by people caring for relatives.  I am always impressed by the self-sacrifice and the kindness of such people.

“Across Scotland our 100,000 carers do an invaluable job, but yet they are some of the people who will have been hit hardest by the recession and Westminster austerity.

“Carers are often reliant solely on the social security system for their income because they have to take time out of work to look after others – the same social security system which is under a relentless and sustained attack by this Tory-led government.

“The SNP is determined to support Scotland’s carers - that’s why we are bringing forward legislation to recognise the invaluable role carers play in our communities, ensure all adult carers are entitled to their own support plan and establishing local carer advice and information centres.

“But we know that there is more to be done and that Westminster has overlooked carers for too long.

“It is simply unfair that carers do not receive the same support as those looking for work.  That’s why the SNP will use our influence at Westminster to put carers firmly on the Westminster agenda, securing an increase in carers allowance benefitting carers to the tune of £600 per year.

“In contrast, Labour’s manifesto doesn’t even bother to mention the Carers Allowance – and the Tories are committed to making another £12bn of cuts to the welfare budget. Westminster simply isn’t working for Scotland’s carers – which is why we need a new, more progressive approach which guarantees carers the support they need.

“We will never be able to do enough to fully recognise the incredible work our carers do.  But carers in Scotland – and across the UK – can be confident that the SNP will be a strong voice for their interests in the House of Commons and will use our influence at Westminster to deliver a better, fairer deal.”

Scottish Government's war on Fuel Poverty

£224 million national scheme to launch in September.


As many as 28,000 fuel poor and vulnerable households could make their homes easier and cheaper to heat through a new national scheme worth up to £224 million over seven years. 

An open letter to Fergus Ewing and Derek Mackay

Dear Mr Ewing/Mr Mackay,

I am writing to you in my capacity as an elected member in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar regarding the issue of local energy generation and grid capacity in the Western Isles.

SNP COUNCIL CANDIDATE COMMENTS ON LOCAL EDUCATION ISSUES

SNP council candidate for Benbecula and North Uist, Roslyn Macpherson, has highlighted some of the issues for parents relating to Education and Nursery provision in the ward.

SNP: LABOUR OPPOSITION TO LOCHMADDY FERRY IMPROVEMENT CONDEMNED

Statement from Cllr Donald Manford (SNP):

“Westminster Labour candidate Alasdair Morrison’s unenviable reputation for the crass and absurd gets even more outrageous.  Mr Morrison’s claim that urgently needed increased ferry capacity for Lochmaddy should not happen is as puerile as it is objectionable.

“The  Lochmaddy-Uig route is the shortest, most sheltered and least disrupted route there is and is critically needed, especially at this time of year.  It is little wonder that Lochmaddy and with it all communities between Berneray and Vatersay have been held back, while the ridiculous views of Mr Morrison and his Labour cohort held sway.

“Out of political desperation Mr Morrison is trying to resurrect his proposals to reduce Western Isles ferry services to three routes.  These proposals were objected to in 2001 when as Tourism Minister he axed the Mallaig service and ended in 2006 when the people of Scotland ousted his  Labour administration from Edinburgh.  Since then ferry routes have increased as have the number of people traveling to our islands.  Ferries must increase to keep pace; it the dinosaur mentality of Labour and Westminster which must be ended, and their loathsome practice of trying to pitch communities against each other must be seen to fail.

“I am delighted that Roslyn MacPherson has courageously committed to securing for Lochmaddy the level of ferry service that it should have.  This will ably compliment the sterling efforts of Neil Beaton and Uisdean Robertson, and will have my full support.”

SNP COUNCIL CANDIDATE CALLS ON COUNCIL TO LEAD FERRIES RETHINK

With extreme conditions continuing to disrupt ferry services, SNP council candidate for North Uist and Benbecula, Roslyn Macpherson, has called on the Comhairle to take a lead in a collaborative approach to designing ferry services. 

"Community spirit is powering local politics in Lewis and Harris" - Michael Gray, Common Weal

As an Isle of Lewis community comes together to bid for the Barvas estate (click here to read more), Michael Gray explores how the grass-roots political movements inspired by indyref are moving forward on Lewis and Harris.

Transport infrastructure to islands secured as Air Discount Scheme extended

The Air Discount Scheme, which offers a significant discount on air fares for travellers from remote communities, is being renewed for a further four years, Minister for Transport and Islands Derek Mackay has announced.

Citizens Advice Direct Call-Handling Centre, Stornoway - MP & MSP welcome announcement

The SNP’s MP and MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Angus MacNeil and Alasdair Allan, have welcomed confirmation from Citizens Advice Direct that the call-handling centre in Stornoway will be retained. 

Living Wage campaign success for SNP Group !

At Policy and resources meeting on 11th Febvruary 2015, the council agreed with the SNP Group for the backdating of the Living Wage to 2013.

Lionel School : SNP Councillor for Taobh Siar and Nis Kenny Macleod's opening speech

In putting forward this amendment I do so because I have a duty as an elected member of the Taobh Siar and Nis ward to represent the views of the people that elected me, showing leadership on their behalf and keeping to my pre election promises in 2012 to represent the people that elected me to the best of my ability.

Labour need to apologise for transport blunders

Councillor Donald Manford :

I note from last week's Guth that Labour representatives have finally admitted that a ferry service in winter to Mallaig is unworkable. We have always been aware that Mallaig is a very dependable destination for vessels smaller than MV Lord of the Isles but, entirely unsuited to large vessels.

CITIZENS ADVICE DIRECT CALL-HANDLING CENTRE STORNOWAY - MACNEIL RAISES PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS

Following a meeting on Saturday with Flora Somerville (Unison), a staff representative fromCitizens Advice Direct (CAD) Call-handling Centre, Stornoway, and local Councillor Gordon Murray, Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP, Angus MacNeil is to table Parliamentary Questions to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to clarify the situation in terms of funding.

Open Letter to Transport Scotland on the Benefits of Shortest Route Services

Dear Mr Laidlaw,

I write relating to the current difficulties being encountered for providing back-up provision for the Stornoway/Ullapool ferry service due to the delay in renewing the much needed link-span at Ullapool.

SNP group support council leadership on task force

Comhairle SNP group commends Transport and Islands Minister Derek MacKay's formation of a taskforce with a determined focus to have the infrastructure at Stornoway and Ullapool completed as quickly as practicable to enable the newly built £42m MV Loch Seaforth to deliver the enhanced service at the earliest possible date.

More on the Outer Hebrides Energy Supply Company

This is in response to the council administration's press release on the appointment of consultants to provide business planning support for the establishment of an Outer Hebrides Energy Supply Company.
Councillor Gordon Murray : "I welcome the Comhairle's announcement today regarding the establishment of an Outer Hebrides Energy Supply Company.

Free school meals for P1-3 introduced

Monday 5th of January saw all school pupils from primary one to three become eligible for a free school meal.