Independent councillors “have no vision for the isles” 20/2/12
Western
Isles SNP has criticised the way in which reductions in the council budget has been
handled by the independent councillors on the Comhairle, pointing out that short
term thinking and lack of vision among the independents has led to an absence of
continuity, leading to greater cuts being made than was necessary.
Bob Duncan, SNP council candidate for Stornoway South, claimed that it is now time for a stronger team of SNP councillors who will work together and ensure longer term planning leads to a better deal for the islands.
Mr Duncan commented: “Many of us will remember, towards the end of last year, the Leader of the Comhairle telling anyone who would listen that the budget for this year was going to be cut by eight million pounds. Given the cut of £1.3 billion made to the Scottish Government's budget by Westminster, his predictions seemed quite plausible and many people were alarmed by them.
“Last week the actual figure was revealed to be around £3.2 million – bad enough you might think – but nowhere near the level predicted. We also discovered that similar levels of reductions will be applied in each of the next 2 years, as the coalition cuts the Scottish Government's budget still further.”
He added: “The situation could have been much worse. Shetlands Islands Council, with
a population similar to our own, is dealing with cuts of £23 million this year alone.
And when the council budget allocations were announced a number of Labour-
Mr Duncan continued: “Highland Council made no cuts to services this year because they had planned for the longer term. The current Comhairle has decided to set a budget for one year only, preferring to leave the remainder of budget cuts to be dealt with by the incoming administration. Given the unpopularity of many of the incumbents, they may well succeed in leaving those decisions to others.
“The present collection of independent councillors have no collective vision for the islands and so they cannot work together to protect us. They are a disparate group of individuals with no manifesto or common purpose. Many of them are active members of the Labour Party who choose to stand as “independents” for reasons which are difficult to understand.
“A strong group of SNP councillors will work as a team, in partnership with the Scottish Government and others, to secure the best possible deal for the islands. In particular, the setting of a 3 year budget will be a priority in the upcoming SNP local manifesto.
Mr Duncan stated: If there was ever a time the islands needed a strong team of SNP councillors, then surely this is that time. Don't stay at home on May 3. Go out and vote SNP.”