SNP Group Urge MP to Support End to Two-Child Cap

 

The SNP Group on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has called on newly elected Isles MP, Torcuil Crichton, to support an amendment to the King’s Speech on ending the so-called Two-Child benefit cap. It is believed such an amendment will be tabled tomorrow, in a move that could see a Labour revolt over the controversial restriction.

 

“The SNP has consistently opposed this cruel and punitive measure which pushes struggling families further into poverty,” said SNP Group Leader, Cllr. Frances Murray. “Whilst in Scotland the measure is mitigated by the SNP Government, obviously it would be preferable to see it scrapped altogether, particularly in an area such as our own, where depopulation as well as poverty is a very real concern.”

 

She continued, “We would strongly urge our MP to recognise that he faces an important political choice. He and his party campaigned for change. If Labour is series about changing child poverty, the Two Child Cap must be scrapped.” 

Bid to help Catch 23 - Mental Health drop-in

 At full council on Wednesday 19th June, the following motion was put to the council to propose to spend around 5% of extra funding from the Scottish Government to the excellent mental health drop-in, Catch 23 proposed by Cllr Gordon Murray and seconded by Cllr Rae Mackenzie

The motion was :

 “Following the announcement of the allocation of Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Funding for 2024/25 from the Scottish Government to support additional island costs, that the Comhairle recognising that one in six people are currently experiencing mental ill health and the devastating consequences this can have not only for individuals but their families, friends and communities. The Comhairle agrees to support people facing the challenges of mental ill health throughout the Western Isles, and to help achieve that end agrees to allocate £50,000 from the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Funding to Western Isles Association for Mental Health, a community based organisation committed to providing a support service known as Catch 23 to those suffering from mental ill health, and their families, friends and carers,  for  2024/25, subject to the confirmation of the level of funding and any conditions which the council may determine.”

 Thanks to all the councillors that voted to support this motion:

Cllr Susan Thomson, Cllr Paul Finnegan, Cllr Iain Macaulay, Cllr Norrie T Macdonald, Cllr Frances Murray, Cllr John A Maciver

Here is Cllr Gordon Murray's speech :

"Thank you convenor for allowing this motion to be considered alongside the P & R decision report.

Catch 23 or Western Isles Association of Mental Health annual need have doubled from £80k pre-covid to £157k as at the end of the financial year 31st March 2023.

Pre-covid they received 50% of their funding (statutory) but as there has been no uplift that has reduced to 1/3 of annual income.

They are in desperate need of a cash injection of £50k to continue delivering the vital services for 2024/25.

They are involved in community fund-raising and donations are at an all time high.

What do they do?

Well, I was invited to go and see them and to be honest, members, I was very moved at what they are doing and what they are achieving.

They are a mental health drop-in for adults.

Members, some of their users come to Catch 23 and they are at the end of their tether - at their wits end.

Catch 23 organise activities, walks, projects, arts, social interaction and engagement in a safe and nurturing environment - you need to go and see for yourselves as I would not be able to do it justice, but looking at the outcomes => it saves lives.

It literally saves lives. 

I hear accounts of those, suicidal, who came to Catch 23 who literally saved their lives and put their lives back on track.

We know the cost-of-living crisis has been a  disaster especially for those not as well-equipped to overcome the challenges that have been wrought on our communities.

There is always talk about prices increasing, bills increasing but there is also human cost, pushing people towards the abyss. 

The ethos according to the Scottish government website relating to the funding is:

"Islanders most impacted by the cost of living crisis will; be able to access additional help"

"The islands Cost Crisis Emergency fund will target support to those who are struggling due to the cost of living crisis through existing schemes or new support."

The chief executive said £169k was a little amount of money whilst talking to this item, members , this £50k could be everything to a person, their family, their community by helping them to come back from who knows what! 

I thank God for places like Catch 23 and would seek your support in supporting the notice of motion - it could be a life-saver for someone!"

Comhairle nan Eilean Budget meerting

Amendment proposed by Susan Thomson, seconded by Rae Mackenzie

 

The Council agrees not to implement the following savings proposals:

·        No.3 Bus station (£60k)

·        No.5 Community Transport (£120k)

·        No.30 Libraries (£20k)

·        No.37 Special Education Transport (£30k)

The above to be funded by increasing the assumption on savings through the non-filling of Vacant Posts from £300K to £530K, with the caveat that no ASN post be included in this number.

Voted for the amendment 

Cllr Kenny Macleod (Convenor)

Cllr Susan Thomson]

Cllr Grant Fulton

Cllr John Norman Macleod

Cllr Iain M Macaulay

Cllr Gordon Murray

Cllr Rae Mackenzie

Cllr Frances Murray

Voted against the amendment

Cllr Paul Steele (Leader)

Cllr Duncan Macinnes

Cllr Iain A Macneil

Cllr Kenneth Maclean

Cllr Iain M Macleod

Cllr Mustafa Hocie

Cllr Uisdean Roberston

Cllr Robert Mackenzie

Cllr Angus Morrison

Cllr Ranald Fraser

Cllr Norman Macdonald

Cllr Donald Macsween

Cllr Donald Crichton

Cllr Calum Maclean

Cllr Malcolm Macdonald

Cllr Angus McCormack

Cllr Norman T Macdonald & Cllr Finlay Stewart

At the same meeting a motion to protect the evening bus service for parts of Lewis was unanimously accepted using Crown Estate funding

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Welcomed changes at the SNP Western ISles

Statement from Western Isles SNP 

We held a successful EGM of the newly formed Western Isles Constituency Branch 3.th August Thanks to all who attended and contributed either in person or online.

The new Committee is as follows:

Cllr Susan Thomson, Chair

Angus MacDonald, Vice Chair

Cllr Frances Murray, Secretary

Cllr Kenny MacLeod, Treasurer

Hamish Budge and Rhona Lawson, Organisers

Equalities, Ishbel Murray

Membership Secretary, Margaret Martin

Complete folly to vote labour if poverty in the islands to be addressed

Comhairle an Eilean SNP Group leader, Cllr Gordon Murray has stated that "It would be complete folly to vote for British labour in the Westminster elections, if we are to address poverty in the islands."

"With the latest announcement from the British labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer of keeping the cap on child benefit to two children, we cannot possibly expect labour in its current form to address poverty issues especially child poverty in our islands."

"According to The Guardian newspaper, it (the cap) has affected an estimated 1.5 million children and research has shown that the policy has impoverished families rather than increasing employment."

"I would urge you to vote SNP to ensure these policies are rightly challenged and shown up for what they are - making the rich richer at the expense of the poor."

Comhairle cuts funding to Additional Special Needs / Library Service beating SNP Group amendment to protect

 SNP Group amendment

1)      To remove the link with the timetable in secondary staffing reduction as this work has not yet been completed; to reduce the proposal to 2 posts across the 4 schools (£100k);

2)      Do not implement the reduction of ASN support (£100K); and

3)      To await the results of the Library Service review before making any recommendation of savings (£100k).

With any shortfall to be funded from the savings accruing from industrial action by teachers.

Proposed by:  Cllr Frances Murray

Seconded by:  Cllr Gordon Murray

Voted for amendment to prevent cuts to ASN & Library services

Cllr Susan Thomson (SNP)

Cllr Grant Fulton 

Cllr Ranald Fraser 

Cllr John N Macleod

Cllr Donald Macsween

Cllr John A Maciver

Cllr Calum Maclean

Cllr Iain M Macaulay

Cllr Gordon Murray (SNP)

Cllr Rae Mackenzie (SNP)

Cllr Frances Murray (SNP)

Voted to cut ASN & Library Services

Cllr Kenny Macleod (SNP)

Cllr Paul Steele

Cllr Duncan Macinnes

Cllr Kenneth Maclean

Cllr Iain Macneil

Cllr Iain M Macleod

Cllr Moustapha Hocine

Cllr Uisdean Robertson

Cllr Paul Finnegan

Cllr Robert Mackenzie

Cllr Angus Morrison

Cllr Norman Macdonald

Cllr Donald Crichton

Cllr Malcolm Macdonald

Cllr George Murray

Cllr Finlay Stewart

Council tax freeze amendment by Comhairle SNP Group

 

The Comhairle, recognising the real hardship being faced by many members of our community who work hard to strive for their families to have a warm home and decent wholesome food on the table, wishes to support them and for that reason will not add to their financial burden by increasing their council tax for 2023-24 to be funded from uncommitted reserves.

Proposed by Cllr Susan Thomson

Seconded by Cllr John A Maciver

Voted for amendment, council tax freeze

Cllr Susan Thomson (SNP)

Cllr John A Maciver (SNP)

Cllr Rae Mackenzie (SNP)

Cllr Gordon Murray (SNP)

Cllr Frances Murray (SNP)

Voted to increase council tax by 5%

Cllr Kenny Macleod (SNP)

Cllr Paul Steele

Cllr Duncan Macinnes

Cllr Kenneth Maclean

Cllr Iain A Macneil

Cllr Iain M Macleod

Cllr Moustapha Hocine

Cllr Uisdean Robertson

Cllr Paul Finnegan 

Cllr Grant Fulton

Cllr Robert Mackenzie

Cllr Angus Morrison

Cllr Ranald Fraser

Cllr Norman Macdonald

Cllr John N Macleod

Cllr Donald Macsween

Cllr Donald Crichton

Cllr Calum Maclean

Cllr Iain M Macaulay

Cllr Malcolm Macdonald

Cllr George Murray

Cllr Finlay Stewart

SNP Group in a bid to freeze council tax and protect funding for Additional Special Needs

 At the budget setting meetings this Wednesday (22nd Feb 2023), the Comhairle SNP group have lodged two amendments.

The first amendment, proposed by Cllr Susan Thomson and seconded by Cllr John A Maciver, aims to freeze the council tax and not to increase.

Group leader, Cllr Gordon Murray stated: "With the cost of living crisis, energy prices rising exponentially and the rents in social housing increasing by 6%, it is important for us as a council not to put more stress on household budgets especially the low-income earners."

In a second amendment, the SNP Group wish to protect ASN and also protect the library service.

Cllr Murray stated : " In times like these we should be protecting our most vulnerable and not cutting the ASN service."

"Also, the library service is a much valued service in the community and one that is worth protecting from a reduction in funds."

  

Bid to stop croft tenancies being taken to pay for care falls at first hurdle

A bid by two SNP councillors to stop the Comhairle taking croft tenancies into consideration  when assessing for care was foiled at the Sustainable Development committee this week.  

Cllr Gordon Murray had requested a notice of motion with Cllr John A Maciver so that the issue could be debated when the report was presented at a later committee.

Cllr Murray and Cllr Rae Mackenzie put forward the amendment to have a report on crofting and care charges but the committee rejected the amendment.

After the meeting, Cllr Murray stated: "Although this committee has rejected it, we have another chance to get this very important issue on the agenda. This will be coming up at full council on Wednesday 28th September. We would urge members of the public, who believe the practice of taking croft tenancies off families to pay for care should be stopped, contact their councillor and support us in at least having the debate and getting a report to a future meeting." 

 

Press Release : Statement on Stornoway Primary sports facility by SNP Group

 Comhairle nan Eilean SNP Group have welcomed the investment in Stornoway Primary of £1.95 million for improving the sporting and recreational opportunities for the children.

SNP Group leader, Cllr Gordon Murray said:" This investment is welcomed by the community and will hopefully improve the play for the children of Stornoway Primary. The Group have consistently fought for increasing the area for children to play throughout the Western Isles and will continue to do so and supported an excellent amendment by Cllrs Malcolm Macdonald and George Murray to protect the playing area being reduced even further by the Comhairle.but that amendment lost 15-12"

"The original proposal by the SNP Group of 2,400 m (squared) - a 60m x 40m all-weather pitch was rejected last year at a cost of £400k. This proposal that was made by the chair of education, Cllr Paul Finnegan of 598 m (squared) at a price of £1.95 million is a quarter of the playing area at almost five times the price. We look forward to the facility being absolute top quality given the price per square metre."

How the councillors voted on the amendment not to reduce the playing area :

Voted against amendment                                                  

Cllr Kenny Macleod (Conevnor)                                        

Cllr Paul Steele (Leader)                                                  

Cllr Duncan Macinnes                                                           

Cllr Angus McCormack                                                      

Cllr Norrie T Macdonald                                                      

Cllr Finlay Stewart                                                              

Cllr Donald Crichton                                                           

Cllr Mustapha Hocine                                                         

Cllr Uisdean Robertson                                                      

Cllr Paul Finnegan                                                               

Cllr Angus Morrison                                                            

Cllr Donald Macsween                                                        

Cllr Robert Mackenzie                                                        

Cllr Kenneth J Maclean

Cllr Iain M Macleod

Voted for amendment

Cllr Malcolm Macdonald

  Cllr George Murray 

Cllr Gordon Murray 

Cllr Frances Murray 

Cllr John A Maciver  

Cllr Rae Mackenzie

Cllr Susan Thomson

 Cllr Calum Maclean 

Cllr John N Macleod 

Cllr Ranald Fraser

Cllr Iain M Macaulay

Cllr Grant Fulton

Amendment and vote on Stornoway Primary sports facility

Amendment to council:

Proposer : Cllr Malcolm Macdonald Seconder : Cllr George Murray

that the Comhairle wishes to maximise the benefit of the much-welcomed new sports facility at Stornoway Primary and recognising the need to fully offset the negative impact of COVID on the recreational and sporting opportunities for pupils at Stornoway Primary makes provision for a four court facility with the addition of an extra bay at a total estimated project cost of £2.14 million and that the estimated additional cost of £190k be met from the underspend of £717k in the Education, Skills and Children's Services Department for 2021-22 as reported by the Head of Accountancy and Exchequer Services to the Policy and Resources Committee on 22nd June 

Voted against :                                                                    

Cllr Kenny Macleod (Conevnor)                                       

Cllr Paul Steele (Leader)                                                     

Cllr Duncan Macinnes                                                            

Cllr Angus McCormack                                                       

Cllr Norrie T Macdonald                                                        

Cllr Finlay Stewart                                                              

Cllr Donald Crichton                                                           

Cllr Mustapha Hocine                                                           

Cllr Uisdean Robertson                                                       

Cllr Paul Finnegan                                                               

Cllr Angus Morrison                                                            

Cllr Donald Macsween                                                        

Cllr Robert Mackenzie                                                                                                                

Cllr Kenneth J Maclean

Cllr Iain M Macleod

Voted for 

Cllr Malcolm Macdonald

Cllr George Murray

Cllr Frances Murray

Cllr \Gordon Murray

Cllr Rae Mackenzie

Cllr John A Maciver

Cllr Susan Thomsom

Cllr Calum Maclean

Cllr Iain M Macaulay

Cllr Ranald Fraser

Cllr John N Macleod

Cllr Grant Fulton

Letter responding to Proposed Sports Development at Stornoway Primary

 Dear Mr Burr,

Please thank Mr Donald Macleod for his letter dated 22^nd March 2022, titled “Proposed Sports Development at Stornoway Primary School”.

As a parent, I was delighted that in December 2021, the Comhairle finally voted to secure funding of £1.8 million to support the development of a new sports facility at Stornoway Primary.

However, although it is a significant investment in the school, it is an investment that has been needed for quite a number of years and one that we would have liked to have seen sooner.

When the decision was made to invest in a new facility several groups were set up for consultative purposes and this was very encouraging. However, they have asked for prices of different sizes of arena from 60mx40m similar to the Back facility to different eight-court facilities. This has not been forthcoming and that is why I now request that you arrange for the relevant costings to provided to the parent council at this time.

I know that everybody involved in the project wants to maximise the benefit for the whole school community.

I am sending a copy of this letter to all members of the Stornoway Primary Parent Council.

Thanks for your help in this matter,

Best wishes,

Gordon Murray 

Consequences of council inaction - roads

 There is no doubt about the diminishing state of the roads due to lack on investment. This will inevitably cost more in the future when these roads are eventually worked on - this is the results of a false economy in cutting maintenance in anything. It is especially frustrating when at least £6.2 million is sitting in the bank.  

Looking back to February 2021, the budget proposals put forward by the SNP Group to invest in roads were unsuccessful - now look at the consequences of these decisions not to invest.....

                                                                

Putting the proposal to freeze the council tax into perspective

Comhairle SNP Group expressed disappointment at the lack of empathy for low paid workers by councillors when attacking the amendment by the group for a council tax freeze.

When told about the impact of a rise alongside increasing energy costs, rents and food prices where those in lowest paid work would be hardest hit, reactions from some councillors to suggest a freeze was that it was "illogical and irresponsible", "Populist posturing" "Blow our reserves" a "gimmick".

Such contributions led to one councillor requesting "Not to rub our face in the gutter."

SNP Group leader, Cllr Gordon Murray stated: " It is disappointing that councillors, who represent communities who will face difficulties would use such disrespectful language when elected members are putting the case forward to help those who will not be in receipt of benefits and are low paid."

To put the proposal in perspective, the following pie chart represents monies that have not been spent after all service budgets have been agreed. This money is not being used and the council tax freeze would have used a percentage of that:

Was it to much to ask to use a small percentage of unused monies of £6.2 million to alleviate pressures on working families who are on low pay.

How your councillor voted in the council tax freeze debate

Councillors who voted to raise council tax

Cllr Roddie Mackay (Leader)

Cllr Donald Crichton

Cllr Finlay Stewart

Cllr Norrie T Macdonald 

Cllr Iain A Macneil

Cllr Paul Steele

Cllr Roddy Mackay

Cllr Iain Macleod

Cllr Uisdean Robertson

Cllr Paul Finnegan

Cllr Alasdair Macleod

Cllr Keith Dodson

Cllr Angus McCormack

Cllr Iain M Macaulay

Cllr Donald Crichton

Cllr John Mackay

Cllr Kenny J Macleod

Cllr Norman Macdonald (Convenor)

Councillors who voted for a council tax freeze

Cllr Calum Macmillan (Alba)

Cllr Donald Manford (SNP)

Cllr Grant Fulton (Alliance)

Cllr John G Mitchell (SNP)

Cllr Ranald Fraser (Alliance)

Cllr Rae Mackenzie (SNP)

Cllr Neil Mackay (Independent)

Cllr Gordon Murray (SNP)

Cllr John A  Maciver (SNP)

Cllr Calum Maclean (Alliance)

Cllr John N Macleod (Alliance)

Cllr Kenny Macleod (SNP)

SNP Group leader presents council tax freeze proposal

 These are unprecedented times. Our community are under severe pressure, still suffering the r avages of Covid with cases in the Western Isles escalating.

And things are not going to improve for a lot of people.

Financial anxiety will be caused by energy costs about to rise dramatically. We can see food prices on the rise as we do our weekly shopping, our social landlord has just increased the rents in our communities against a backdrop of a private housing rental market where rents are out of reach for a lot of people, who can't afford to buy their own home.

There is no doubt that families will struggle.

I want to draw members attention to those who are termed to be "in-work" poverty.

How horrendous is that which leaves people who are working struggling, costs of living rising and one of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland.

I want to emphasise the situation for this who just miss out on benefits because they are in work - our lowest paid - the impact on them will be harsh and unrelenting.

The Comhairle, itself, predicts a pessimistic future, as it normally does, and it is always better to err on the side of caution and to be prudent.

But our Comhairle has money, underspends accruing every year, the Scottish Government sending more money such as £800,000 to help those in lower levels.

But I remind you again of our lowest paid - they may well have no contingencies, banks will not lend to them, and they all to often fall prey to loans to cover essential costs.

What I, and the SNP Group, wish to do and ask for your support is to give our communities a small breathing space.

What it will be like, if costs increase, rents increase, food prices increase, taxes increase and you are struggling to make ends meet - battered and bruised by the system - picture that.

Let us freeze the council tax and show our communities that we understand , care about them when many of them are facing these harsh realities.

I move the amendment. 

SNP / Alba councillors put forward Uist and Barra focused amendment

Budget Amendment

Proposed by Calum Macmillan (Alba), seconded by Donald Manford (SNP)

Amendment to the Budget and Council Tax Setting 2022/23 Report:

1)    1)  That the Comhairle make a ring-fenced contribution from reserves of £10,000 to the IJB Budget to bring the dental chairs in Tigh Criodh Uile Naoibh into operation to enable the best dental care possible for care home residents by utilising the already purchased dental chairs in the Care Home with such funding only to be available for this purpose and otherwise reverting to the Comhairle.

2)      2) That the council reinstates the national concessionary fare scheme for the Sounds of Barra and Harris to enable the elderly to access services throughout the Western Isles for 2022/23 funded from reserves; and

3)      3) that the Comhairle fully supports the crofting communities throughout the Western Isles and to show that support in a meaningful and real way, by allocating £15,000 from reserves to enable the abattoirs in Uist and Barra to continue providing their essential service for 2022/23.

Council set to debate council tax freeze

 On Tuesday 22nd February at 5pm, the full council will meet and debate whether to alleviate the burden imposed on households given escalating energy costs by freezing council tax.

The amendment proposed by Cllr Gordon Murray, Stornoway North and seconded by Cllr Rae Mackenzie, Stornoway South is as follows:

"That the Comhairle wishes to fully support council tax payers who are facing unprecedented and rapidly increasing energy costs, food prices escalating at a rate of up to 10% a year, increasing mortgage and rental bills and particularly recognising and empathising with those whose lives are being massively disrupted and with too many people being forced to make the hideous choice of whether to heat or eat declares its wish to offer all the help it can and as part of that help freezes the council tax levels for 2022-23 at the 2021-22 level funded from reserves."

Cllr Murray stated: " Our people are up against it and we wish to give some respite to their situation. We have the money to offer this and I think it is our duty of care to every family in the islands no to increase the financial burden."

SNP urge Comhairle to freeze council tax

Comhairle nan Eilean SNP Group have called for a council tax freeze for the year 2022-23 and have tabled an amendment to the budget setting meetings next week.

Group leader, Cllr Gordon Murray stated: "We are living in very challenging times where the cost of living is increasing and household budgets are under pressure like never before. By freezing the council tax, the Comhairle would be sending the right message to households across the islands that we understand the difficulties for everyone at this time and we are not going to increase the burden," 

"I think this is the right thing to do and I would urge support from all councillors to see the reasoning behind this amendment and vote for the freeze alongside the SNP Group."

The amendment is:

that the Comhairle wishes to fully support council tax payers who are facing unprecedented and rapidly increasing energy costs, food prices escalating at a rate of up to 10% a year, increasing mortgage and rental bills and, particularly recognising and empathising with those whose lives are being massively disrupted and with too many people being forced to make the hideous choice of whether to heat or eat, declares its wish to offer all the help it can and as part of that help freezes the council tax levels for 2022-23 at the 2021-22 level funded from balances 

Energy prices soar and islands face challenges

 Our islands are facing a crisis in terms of the cost of living per household with energy prices soaring. Other costs have gone up putting extreme pressure on our household budgets.

We note the public statements by the council leader and others lamenting this situation. 

This is why, at the coming budget setting, the SNP group will put forward proposals including one to freeze the council tax and not put more pressure on households which are at breaking point. This is in our power to do and we hope that all elected members will agree.

When we observe the terrible actions of the private energy companies making millions in profit at a time when the country is on its knees with the pandemic, we remember our proposals many years ago to explore an island Energy Supply Company so that publicly-owned wind farms could supply every household with cost-price electricity. This was rejected by the Independent administration at the Comhairle but, if elected in the next term, the Comhairle SNP Group will pursue this as we believe this is the only way we can eradicate fuel poverty - by public ownership of the price of electricity.

We, as a council, must address the dilemma of having the best wind energy potential in Western Europe along with the highest levels of fuel poverty in the country."