Cllr Paul Steele, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, has written to the Scottish Government to reaffirm the Comhairle’s commitment and support for Public Service Reform (PSR) in the Western Isles further signalling a move towards creating a single authority model long favoured by council leaders.

The letter confirms collaboration and forward planning between NHS Western Isles with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar under PSR as it welcomes the government’s engagement in the processes saying: “Both organisations highlighted the importance of a tailored approach for island communities focussed on delivering real outcomes for both individuals and organisations.”
 
In Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s frequently asked questions on its website, Councillor Steele sets out the Comhairle’s stance on what it believes is the way forward for public services in the Western Isles.
 
He said: “Public Services in the Western Isles have seen disproportionate and damaging reductions in funding for a sustained period.
 
"In the last 10 years Comhairle nan Eilean Siar alone has suffered a budget reduction of 12%. To ensure that the Comhairle and other public sector organisations continue delivering services to our communities there needs to be change.
 
“Alongside continued lobbying to Scottish Government for improved and fair financial settlements, which reflect the needs and aspirations of our varied communities, the Comhairle views Public Service Reform as the principal route to achieve this required change. By bringing services and systems under a single authority model, we can make positive improvements to the quality of services we deliver to the public.”
 
Public Service Reform is described by the Scottish government as the process of changing how government and public sector organisations work to make them more efficient, collaborative, and focused on preventing problems before they start.
 
And now Mr Steele’s letter reaffirms the commitment to PSR in his letter to Ivan Mckee MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform, and other elected representatives and key figures in the Scottish public sector, and in which the Comhairle has given an overview of ongoing work including possible governance models, and thoughts about replacing existing office infrastructure with new shared working spaces.