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The Comhairle has proposed a raft of cuts and savings to help balance its books over the next two years.

 

£14 million of financial pressure has resulted a widespread exercise to keep it in the black.

 

The council is poised to slash spending and implement cuts to shore up nearly two thirds of its deficit.

 

But £5 million is still to be identified.

 

Islanders are asked to give their views on cutting around £2.5 million of services.

 

The feedback will be used when councillors make a final vote in February.

 

Proposals to save £264,000 by abolishing the Benbecula -Stornoway air service and a further £322,000 by axing Eoligarry and Iochdar primary schools have now been withdrawn from public consultation.

 

However, there is potential for shared headships at these schools. A report says there is room to making some head teachers responsible for additional schools - Lionel/Sgoil an Taobh Siar, Eoligarry/Castlebay and Iochdar/Balivanich schools. At this stage, it will publicly consult on the Lionel/Sgoil an Taobh Siar option which would save £10,000.

 

A "review" of bus services is likely to look at fares and evening runs.

 

More expensive car parking charges in Stornoway town centre is being considered. It is understood introducing charging for the fishermen's carpark in Stornoway may be another option.

 

Halving the £80,000 funding to The Energy Advisory service risks increasing fuel poverty across the Western Isles with vulnerable households not getting on advice on energy efficiency and missing out on funding opportunities, indicates a council report.

 

Annual social grants to community councils could be cut by 50% to £500.

 

Small arts grants to groups and individuals could be "discontinued."

 

Also included in the firing line is the use of all itinerant teachers in island primary schools, the council-run Stornoway abattoir, and the Stornoway library coffee shop.

 

Council proposes cutting services

 

18 January 2016