Policy theme/task

To review the Comhairle‘s policy for school rationalisation to reduce over-capacity. The review, in line with action required by HM Inspectorate of Education, to give particular attention to issues of Best Value in the provision of secondary education in schools for pupils from P1 – S2.

To implement the previously agreed programme of school buildings improvement through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Scheme or equivalent funding.

To take full advantage of the opportunities afforded by the potential of Broadband to enhance the delivery of education in the Western Isles which is currently constrained by geography.

To collaborate with Social Work to bring forward proposals for the integration of Children’s Services to provide a seamless service for children in the Western Isles with a view to implementation during 2004/5.

To secure service development to work towards the Comhairle’s aspiration to provide Gaelic Medium Education as the principal means of tuition in the first two years of primary school whilst maintaining a capacity for English Medium Education on an area basis.

Policy theme/task

To ensure that continued progress is made on the provision of integrated services for children (this was covered in the Education and Children’s Services seminar)

To advance progress on Joint Future by holding a joint seminar between the Comhairle and the NHS Board

To maintain JF as a standing item of the Social Work Committee agenda

To set out local policy and services on communication assistance services to people with sensory impairment

To ensure that carer support services are extended to ensure their availability to people who are not direct users of other SW services

To promote through local voluntary groups and informal networks, the development of befriending schemes

To make improvements to joint working arrangements for discharge from hospital, to ensure that planning and preparation is adequately coordinated

To give priority, in the development of Direct Payments, to providing publicity, to give emphasis to the opportunities for people with learning or physical disabilities, and to promote this in conjunction with promoting the Independent Living Fund

To set out the priority to be given to the development of a residential facility in Carloway, in the context of the redevelopment of existing residential facilities and the extension of the Overnight Support Service

To secure long-term funding, replacing European fund support, for the continuation of the OFTTI service

To continue the programme of supported accommodation for adults with learning disabilities, and secure capital funding for the redevelopment of Ardseileach

To extend opportunities for, and publicity on, respite care at home, and further investigate community fostering for respite services for adults with care needs

To make a joint case with other island authorities, on the local issues that strengthen the case against the development of a Single Correctional Agency, outwith the local authority, for criminal justice services

To complete implementation of the new Information System, as a means of improving financial monitoring and of providing more detailed public performance information on Social Work services

In view of increasing demand arising from demographic change, to consider in the context of demand on other services the future pattern of financial resourcing and limits to service provision for people with care needs

Policy theme/task

Implement the Comhairle’s Waste Plan as part of a “Green” Islands Strategy.

In response to the decision of the Scottish Executive on the bid to the Strategic Waste Fund, it will be a requirement to develop and implement a project plan for the infrastructural and operational changes necessary comply with EU Landfill Directive and consequential national waste diversion targets.

Develop an investment plan to ensure sufficient landfill capacity in the Western Isles for the remaining unprocessed waste.

In response to legislative changes and as part of the waste strategy implementation Plan, it is necessary to centralise landfill operations at the Bennadrove landfill site. Investment is requires to close and restore the Rueval site and to upgrade Bennadrove to meet the new standards.

Policy theme/task

Establish a generic environmental improvement Community Support Fund.

To improve policy flexibility and maximise the capacity for environmental improvement by supporting communities through grant assistance for removing dereliction (buildings/waste/scrap), environmental projects (ACE), conservation, amenity planting and community safety initiatives. Enable communities by coordinating these and other streams of community funding, eg., public convenience grants, Community Hall grants, events funding, Arts Development grants etc., by a single Community Support Unit.

Encourage community management of burial grounds by improved support

To consider options for rationalisation of Comhairle managed burial grounds where possible and provide improved grant packages to encourage community operation ones (see generic environmental improvement fund).

Policy theme/task

Seek the removal or relocation of hazardous installations and unneighbourly commercial operations.

To address and try to overcome the blight that is being caused by hazardous installations in built up areas and commercial operations near to houses and potential housing sites.

Provide customer friendly design guidance

This will assist in the implementation of the Comhairle’s approved strategy. It will involve development of a web site, leaflets, and awards under the guidance of the Design Guidance Implementation Group that will include representation from the local construction industry.

Try to fast track planning permissions for renewable energy developments

There are often serious nature and safeguarding constraints that affect the processing time of planning applications for this important area of potential development for the islands. We will do what we can by way of enabling pre-application discussions and negotiations with agencies to expedite the determination process. For projects over 50 Megawatts capacity, which have to be determined by the Scottish Ministers, we will seek to promote swift decision-making.

Improve use of technology in the planning decision making process

Greater use of IT capabilities should enable more pictorial presentations to committees and the general administration of planning applications electronically in line with Scottish Executive targets for e-government. This should improve customer access to all stages of the planning process.

Optimise opportunities to improve the built heritage

With Historic Scotland, the Comhairle administers the Stornoway Town Scheme that presently enables 50% grant for £80k worth of eligible works of repair and restoration. It wishes to supplement this by seeking the award of a Townscape Heritage Initiative for Stornoway; and by improving support for restoration of historic buildings (especially thatched buildings) (see generic environmental improvement fund).

Promote a programme of amenity tree planting

Many trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders (notably Matheson Road) are becoming old and too large for their setting. A programme of introducing new trees that are more appropriate in size will allow their establishment before larger trees have to be felled (see generic environmental improvement fund).

Policy theme/task

Support improvements to Access for the Disabled facilities

Various improvements to community and other buildings are required under the Disability and Discrimination Act. It is intended to support community groups with grant aid and to maintain and develop support to Access Panels (see generic environmental improvement fund).

Policy theme/task

Develop a Coastal Management Policy.

To encourage a strategic approach to coastal zone management and to provide a local response to global climatic concerns.

Lobby for increased marine planning control to at least three miles offshore.

To retain a level of local control over renewable energy and other developments offshore.

Work with other agencies to eliminate the nuisance of marine litter.

While not having direct control, the Comhairle can influence other agencies to ensure that the island coastline retains its visual amenity.

With our local, national and international partners, lobby to minimise risk from hazardous cargo shipments in waters around the Western Isles.

To minimise risk from the shipment of oil, nuclear waste etc. around the Western Isles, particularly within the Minch.

Policy theme/task

Promote community and home safety in conjunction with community planning partners.

To work with community planning partners in promoting community and home safety and encourage a responsible attitude to safety at community events including fireworks displays.

Develop a proactive approach to home safety for vulnerable groups through a Community Warden Scheme.

To take advantage of the Scottish Executive’s Community Warden initiative to resource a pilot scheme employing community wardens who will carry out home safety checks and undertake minor environmental works within communities.

Policy theme/task

Seek to ensure that there are slaughtering facilities in each of the island groups.

To ensure that licensed slaughtering facilities are reasonably accessible to all communities and to mitigate the high costs involved in transporting animals to a centralised facility.

Seek to significantly reduce endemic diseases and other health concerns within island animal stock to improve animal welfare and marketability.

To encourage a higher standard of animal care and welfare through a combination of education and regulation, to reduce losses and develop collective responsibility, particularly in relation to sheep scab, and to reduce risks of wider cross-infections leading to a higher level of productivity and economic return for crofters.

Policy theme/task

Develop a range of education initiatives linked to discharge of statutory obligations.

Utilising available resources, develop strategies with all agencies including the commercial sector, in respect of consumer, health, environmental, safety and other issues and further develop a responsible approach in the areas of animal health and dog fouling and waste minimisation and recycling.

Work with community planning partners to improve the general health and welfare of the population of the Western Isles.

To ensure that the public, and particularly the young, are better informed on a variety of issues such as health improvement, consumer education and food safety.

Policy theme/task

Support marginal communities through the provision of self build grants, the Uists, and Harris, by 2009.

Provide serviced plots for high value homes in Lewis by 2006.

Pilot a community led housing planning approach in 2 rural communities by 2006, implement their plans by 2009.

Develop a Council owned strategic land bank capable of delivering at least residential properties in Broadbay area by 2007.

Improve the knowledge base linking housing investment to economic development in the Western Isles by 2005.

By 2005, secure an interagency agreement (between CNES, Lews Castle College, WIE, Communities Scotland, the Chamber of Commerce and the Construction Industry Forum) to fund and operate a training scheme for construction trades, linked to work on social housing programmes 2006-2009.

Set up an accreditation scheme for builders operating within the Islands that covers 2007 recruitment and training issues.

Provide net new accommodation for students in and around Stornoway by 2007.

Policy theme/task

Develop with our Community Planning Partners a research capacity to inform the direction Sustainable Development is targeted.

To analyse the impact of the imbalance of age groups and population decline on services and the future economy for lobbying and targeting resources.

Utilise the Structure Plan and the one unified Local Plan for the Western Isles that can be implemented through an action plan and monitored for progress.

To ensure that such statutory plans are developed timeously and are flexible and workable documents that define a framework for future development.

Policy theme/task

Adopt the Economic Development strategy set out in Creating Communities of the Future as the Committees first priorities for investment and support the continued development of the action plans arising from it.

To ensure that the leadership role of the Comhairle is influential in inward investment to the Islands and that a unified voice is provided to Government to strengthen our case.

Ensure that all sizeable businesses and agency offices and schools have access to Broadband at the earliest opportunity and that domestic availability is maximised within the limits of the technology and infrastructure costs.

To maintain the potential for attracting businesses, especially those in IT, and enable our population to be informed and educated for their quality of life and employment potential.

Through our Community Planning Partnerships lobby and support the development of fibre optic communication links to the mainland.

To increase the speeds of transmission and attract larger decentralised companies.

Encourage community ownership of wind farm developments in at least the small to medium range to assist the objective of having the base line electrical needs of the Islands met locally from alternative energy.

To maximise community benefit especially where the electricity is not being exported and foster an image of sustainability good practice.

Utilise a proportion of Community Benefit to encourage the development of high quality visitor attractions exemplifying alternative energy and sustainability good practice.

To build on the niche potential of green and cultural tourism.

Policy theme/task

Encourage the development of local small businesses through integrated financial and advice services building on the “no wrong door” initiative.

To make the service attractive and understandable for the business sector so maximising the potential of practicable opportunities.

Provide support for the lobbying for the greater local control of local fisheries (including shell fisheries).

To encourage the development of a more sustainable resource and local benefit from the fisheries.

Continue a programme of upgrading Comhairle piers and support for the development of greater access and berthing for tourists and local pleasure craft.

To meet the demands of an expanding fleet and to widen the opportunities for communities to develop rural pleasure facilities

Identify and where possible provide land and property for small and medium sized businesses.

To reduce the capital requirement for business start-ups or expansions and to ensure land is available for incoming businesses.

Policy theme/task

Employ widely skilled and networked support workers for identifiable communities throughout the islands.

To encourage rural community development and the planned expansion of social infrastructure in the rural areas through local practicable community plans.

Develop generic capital budgets for assisting communities draw down external funding for the development of social infrastructure.

To avoid competition between areas so that disbursement is based on priorities, criteria and a planned continuing programme.

Policy theme/task

Support the wider availability of self-catering accommodation and all weather attractions that extend the tourism season.

To make the industry more sustainable and attractive

Enhance the opportunities for outdoor activity and working holidays and for better local enjoyment of our outdoor resources, by investment in infrastructure and support for interpretation.

Examine the potential for integrating ranger services, outdoor activity facilitators, archaeological interpretation and themed working holidays to provide sustainable employment in the tourist industry.

Promote Access to the Countryside and the sensible management of our islands agriculture, woodlands and Bio-diversity.

To support cultural and eco-tourism, whilst improving quality of life opportunities for the people of the Western Isles.

Expand the numbers of archaeological sites with interpretation and access and the development of local skills for archaeological work.

To increase the awareness nationally of the scale and importance of our local resource such that it attracts greater numbers of longer staying tourists.

Seek the adoption of the more important archaeological sites by Historic Scotland.

Allows for greater investment and academic interest for excavation and preservation of our sites.

Policy theme/task

Increase the opportunities for young people to achieve qualifications locally.

Appropriate training for local needs and future employment.

Increase the opportunities for young people to be sponsored through colleges and universities whilst supported by incoming and local businesses or agencies.

Encourages the choice of courses suitable for employment later on the Islands and encourages employers to take on young people.

Seek a long term funding stream for the continuance of training for re- employment and employment support for the long term unemployed.

To reduce social exclusion through misfortune and provide opportunities for all to re-train and obtain employment whilst benefiting communities with the works done.

Policy theme/task

Future Fixed Links (Sound of Harris and Sound of Barra) should be funded from Energy/Prudential framework

Do no pursue trunking for the Spinal Route

Completion of the Spinal Route and Roads to Communities Programme as an aspiration within a 15 year horizon

Complete Spinal Route sections in current programme within the current term of the Comhairle – Scottish Executive funding bid a priority.

Roads to Communities – set a prioritised list of schemes and seek capital funding

Roads to Communities bid in August 2003 for HISTP funding

Current level of funding for footways acceptable with surfaced hard verges being used where appropriate

Prudential Framework to be explored for enhanced capital funding for roads

Large scale wind energy schemes to be explored for community benefit for road improvements

Large contracts for Spinal Route

Smaller contracts for Roads to Communities

Mix and match arrangement for small schemes

Spinal Route and Roads to communities – priority is double tracking

Secondary Routes– priority will be to provide improved passing places, corner improvements and hard verging

Seek to introduce a planning condition that requires developers to give consideration to road infrastructure

Policy theme/task

Additional funding essential for roads revenue to meet expressed expectations of Members.

Streetlights: maintain existing revenue programme with priority being Health and Safety and maintenance; and explore innovative methods of funding new lights

Policy theme/task

Re-tender all bus contracts within appropriate timescale

Policy theme/task

Increased capacity on Sty-Inv route and better timetabling for Saturday flights

Pursue a Highlands and Islands network through HITRAN

Make representations to introduce more PSO’s to achieve lower air fares across the Western Isles network

Re-tender Benbecula – Barra air service

Policy theme/task

Promote Route Development Fund for Calmac network

Enter negotiations on an inter-island Route Development in order to stimulate local economy

Enter negotiations on an inter-island Route Development in order to stimulate local economy

POLICY THEME/TASK

Express concern at the implications for the Highlands and Islands with the proposals for a Scotland wide Transport Agency

Promote HITRANS

Policy theme/task

Through the Cultural Strategy, promote Gaelic Language, Culture and the Arts.

The Western Isles enjoy a unique heritage and this should reflect in the Local Cultural Strategy so that it becomes a vehicle for developing the Gaelic Language, Culture and the Arts within the Islands.

Develop Cultural and Heritage tourism to better exploit the natural environment and heritage of the Islands.

Improve physical and intellectual access to the most important heritage sites and seek to actively promote Cultural Tourism. Investigate the feasibility of a Western Isles Heritage Trail. National funds should be accessed to restore our heritage assets and these assets should be promoted nationally.

Develop facilities to display, promote and interpret of our crofting, fishing and religious heritage.

Develop thematic facilities highlighting the Islands crofting, fishing and religious heritage.

Provide support to Comainn Eachdraidh movement.

The Comainnn Eachdraidh are more than just historical societies. Their contribution to the culture of the islands cannot be understated and the volunteers who run the services, offered by various Comainn Eachdraidh, need greater levels of support.

Develop a Disposal Strategy to optimise access and display of islands artefacts.

The local museum service is outstripping its own capacity in terms of the acquisition and storage of artefacts. There is a need for a strategic approach to the dispersal and disposal of material.

Policy theme/task

Strengthen the social capacity of communities and individuals through Community Learning & Development activities within their communities.

Community Education will support the Scottish Executive’s aim to strengthen communities by improving people’s knowledge, skills, confidence, motivation, organisational ability and resources. This will be done through Youth Work, Adult Education, Community capacity Building and getting communities involved in Community Planning. A network of Community Support workers will help build confidence in communities by assisting them to meet their reasonable aspirations.

Develop a co-ordinated approach to work with disaffected teenagers.

A co-ordinated approach to work with teenagers by various services to target young people at risk of involvement in unwanted activities. This could offer support, training and guidance into productive activities.

Engage with Government and associated agencies to ensure that initiatives reflect a rural dimension.

Several Government initiatives have been geared towards the urban setting and fit with the rural context has been difficult. Rather than try to bend finalised urban initiatives to fit the rural situation, the Comhairle should be pro-active in attempting to influence Government policy in its earliest stages in order to incorporate a rural dimension.

Policy theme/task

Deliver books and information material throughout the Western Isles to fill gaps in core library provision.

In addition occasional delivery by mobile libraries, books could be reserved through a local community office and delivered by courier to meet demands in all communities.

Expand the use of IT in the development of the Gaelic language and provision of local information.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Western Isles has one of the highest rates of internet access in Scotland. Many people therefore have the means to download material from the internet directly into their own home, regardless of geographical peripherality. The Comhairle and other agencies should strive to increase the ‘bank’ of material regarding Gaelic Language, Hebridean Culture and local information which is available for download in this way. Access to the internet is an important social justice indicator for the Scottish Executive.

Policy theme/task

Develop a strategy for facilities development.

There is a need for a strategic approach to sports facilities development to ensure that more peripheral communities have access to these facilities and the potential for external financing is increased. This will have to be a proactive approach, helping weaker communities to attain the level of provision they require.

Exploit the natural sport and leisure opportunities of the Islands for the benefit of all, especially for the young and visitors to the Islands.

The offshore zone is a tremendous resource for surfing, sailing, diving and so on and policies should be developed for its integrated development in the same way as the development of sport on land is planned. Offshore conditions in the Western Isles are ideal for the growing sports of surfing and sailing and a significant industry could be built in this area with effective promotion and marketing.

Promote the health benefits through improved accessibility to all sports and leisure facilities.

With the ongoing development of school sporting facilities, there is potential for more to be done through our schools. Access to Schools and School letting charges requires to be addressed within a wider Comhairle policy as are issues of transportation, location and admission charges to the range of facilities.

Policy theme/task

Remove the cost burden of the Lews Castle and Stornoway Town Hall from the Comhairle.

Alternative uses for the Town Hall will be required once An Lanntair leave the premises. Lews Castle requires significant Capital investment if it is to become a usable asset. Meanwhile, to stabilise the building and to reduce structural and fabric deterioration is a major drain on repairs and maintenance, affecting capacity within the committee’s portfolio of properties.

Adopt a strategy for the development and maintenance play areas and public open spaces.

The current policy on play areas deals with Comhairle owned playareas. The number of voluntary sector play areas is beginning to exceed the Comhairle’s capacity to support.

Organised events at play areas may be appropriate, encouraging children to replicate safe and educative activities which have been demonstrated to them.

Encourage small scale amenity developments within and around villages for leisure, recreation and environmental purposes.

Many communities would benefit from small amenity areas within & around villages. These would enhance the visual amenity while providing leisure, play & learning opportunities for residents. Common areas within villages could also be developed into something akin to the ‘village green’/natural woodland structures.

Establish a generic sports and amenity parks and public open spaces fund.

To tackle the poor state and availability of sports and amenity parks and public open spaces, primarily in rural areas. Whilst some facilities are within the Comhairle’s ownership, grant aid to communities would maximise the development potential and minimise future maintenance costs.

Policy theme/task

To continue to effectively represent and promote the interests of the Comhairle and the Western Isles at a UK and European level by maintaining an effective relationship with the Scottish Parliament and establish a presence in Edinburgh.

Improve service provision and working relationships by working with our Community Planning Partners.

Take action to promote health improvement to achieve the best possible health and well being for the people of the Western Isles.

Implement and continue to use the Comhairle's Bilingual Policy with emphasis on

• the potential to use the Gaelic language as a means of job creation and

more widespread use of Gaelic within the Comhairle.

Strengthen financial scrutiny of proposed new and existing programmes and projects.

Ensure the delivery of the Corporate Strategy by monitoring and reporting its progress.

Resolve current recruitment difficulties by encouraging staff to develop transferable skills - including management capacity.

Reduce financial exclusion by establishing a Western Isles Credit Union

Provide better Public Services by making more effective use of Information Technology for delivering services.

Establish one-stop shops in each of the Sustainable Community areas.

Policy theme/task

Promoting high standards by:

Monitoring and promoting best value and continuous improvement throughout the Comhairle

Providing reassurance on the quality of our services by:

• Monitoring and promoting high standards of Corporate Governance
• Undertaking a rolling programme of scrutiny of departmental business plans
• Undertaking an agreed programme of strategic best value service reviews
• Critically evaluating national and local performance indicators
• Supporting a robust system of public performance

Monitoring the achievement of the Corporate Strategy

The Committee will encourage high standards of conduct by members and an effective and fair appeals mechanism by:

Undertaking a rolling review of the constitutional documents

Monitoring standards of conduct

Policy theme/task

Securing a measure of financial stability and Best Value for the Comhairle through trading activities.

Contribution to the local economy brought by relatively stable and reliably-renumerated employment.

Support to economic, social and cultural base from employment skilled trades and including apprenticeships.

Direction of purchasing power within the local economy in a responsible and controlled manner.

Democratic control and social partnership with trade Unions concerning commercial activities, setting standards for good quality employment practices.