Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 29 June 2001 For Use: Immediately

Press Bureau Press Links

Comhairle Works With Scottish Executive On DSO/DLO

The Comhairle's drive to sort out the DSO/DLO estimated deficits in respect of the Building Maintenance and Roads contracts have moved onto a formal basis with the serving of a Section 19A Notice from the Scottish Executive.

The Section 19A notice is a request for information from the Scottish Executive relating to the activities of a DSO/DLO and has been sent in the light of the £667k deficit highlighted by the Comhairle to the Executive.

Chief Executive Bill Howat said:

"This is a formalising of the process already underway and was to be expected given the deficits that we identified and notified to the Scottish Executive. I would emphasise that the serving of this notice makes no material difference to the operation of the DSO/DLO and its employees but is a request for information.

We will continue to work with the Executive and we will identify precisely the steps that the Comhairle has already taken in respect of this matter. We note the comments of the Minister that they appreciate the co-operation of the Comhairle and we will continue to work hand in hand with the Executive to deal with this difficult situation".

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk