A proposal to increase Council Tax by 8% in Western Isles will be debated at a crunch budget meeting later this month.
Councillors will also have to make decisions on what services to cut, fees to increase plus other ways to make savings during the meeting on 25 February.
Islanders are invited to provide feedback on the comhairle’s budget proposals.
An online survey asks people to state what council services should be the most protected from reductions. The council also seeks to find out what capital projects should be progressed as a priority in addition to general feedback on the budget proposals.
A range of measures to balance the books have been drawn up using a combination of service reductions, reserves, use of Crown Estate funding and an increase in Council Tax.
The local authority is forced to raid its reserves to the point that there will be none left if the squeeze on funding from central government continues. This year some £2 million of reserves is set to be diverted to combat the council’s deficit. But once its gone, its gone warns the council.
Up to £1.1 million of cuts and savings from services is being considered.
The council is set to use part of its Crown Estate Fund - which receives cash from
coastal marine assets rentals - to support a number of essential services.
Comhairle leader, Paul Steele, said: “Quite simply Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has not been given enough money to deliver services at their current level.
“The Comhairle has identified four options to close the deficit and achieve a balanced budget.
“These options are to use reserves, increase council tax, utilise Crown Estate Revenue and reduce existing services.”
He added: “The Comhairle’s budgetary decisions will have an impact on our communities, and it is important that the public have an opportunity to view and comment on the budget proposals in advance of the final decisions. I would encourage you all to take the time to engage with this process.”
The feedback form on the comhairle’s website will remain open until 12pm on Friday 21 February.
Proposal for 8% Council Tax increase
15 February 2025
