What Comhairle services are most important to you and should be protected from service reductions?
Do you have any additional feedback on the Comhairle’s budget proposals?
What capital projects should Comhairle nan Eilean Siar look to progress as a priority?
136 members of the public submitted responses to the Comhairle’s budget feedback form.
The public identified the following as the 5 most important services to them:
- Health and Social Care - 52
- Education - 44
- Roads - 37
- Libraries - 31
- Bus Services - 29
Members of the public provided additional feedback on the budget. The following were the most frequent responses:
- Reduce spending on 50th anniversary - 35
- Council tax increase is too high - 32
- Council tax increase is appropriate - 7
- Reduce Staff numbers/ salaries - 6
- Reduce Member numbers/ salaries - 5
- Use of crown estate funds is good - 5
- Use of Crown Estate Funds is not appropriate and should go to communities - 5
- Cut back on street lighting, particularly in rural areas - 5
- Do not progress the Gaelic School project - 5
Members of the public were asked to identify their priorities for capital investment. The following were the most frequent responses:
- Road resurfacing - 39
- Castlebay School - 19
- Housing - 12
- BVCC (Hospital) - 9
- Stornoway Town Centre Improvement - 9
- Care Home Facilities - 7
A summary of all responses was shared with Members of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in advance of the 2025/ 26 budget setting meetings. A consultation will be carried out in advance of the next budget. It was noted that this consultation should be held earlier in the year.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has successfully formed proposals for a balanced budget using a combination of service reductions, reserves, Crown Estate revenue and an increase in council tax. The proposed use of Crown Estate revenue has reduced the need for reductions and helped preserve current service levels where possible.
Members of the public can use a feedback form on the Comhairle’s website to give comment on the current budget proposals that were discussed by the Comhairle’s budget board on 15 January.
All feedback received from the public will be used to inform this and future budget setting processes and shared with Members in advance of the Comhairle’s final Budget Meetings on 25 February.
We are consulting to gather the public views on the Comhairle’s budget proposals.
These views will be passed on to Comhairle Members prior to budget setting meetings.
Equalities Monitoring
Please complete the Equalities Monitoring Form
This is used by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to provide essential statistical information about who participates in our consultations. The data is managed confidentially, is not personally attributable, and is processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act.