Comhairle to propose axing of itinerant teachers in all island primary schools

£465,000 would be saved over two years by the withdrawal of all itinerant teachers who could be made redundant.

In the absence of itinerant teachers the specialist subjects would be taken by the class teachers in primary schools.

Specialist teachers were partially removed in the past by the Comhairle with no itinerant teachers for those in lower school in primary from P1-P3 but the service remained in place for those in upper school – P4-P7.

Now it looks like the service will be fully withdrawn.

Other notable proposals on the budget include:

A shared Headship in Lionel School / Sgoil an Taobh Siar

Increase Slàinte Mhath membership fees

Reduce the ad hoc roads maintenance budgets

Reduce the street lighting budget

Review of Stornoway Abattoir

Review of Stornoway Bus Station

Review the provision of Public Conveniences

Reduce the Surface Dressing budget

Review Concessionary Fares Provision on Inter-Island Ferry Service

Increased income through Pier and Harbour Dues

Extend/Increase charging for car parking in Stornoway

Review Comhairle run and evening bus services

Review of waste services

Reduce Community Council Social Grants by 50%

Reduction of the Housing Services Local Housing Strategy Budget

Reduction in the level of funding to The Energy Advisory Services

Discontinue Small Arts Revenue Grants Scheme

Review Library Coffee Shop provision

Review arrangements for residential care for children

Reduction in high cost care packages

Cessation of MOSS

Repatriation of mainland placements

Redesign of Grianan Day Centre

Redesign of laundry services

Reduce the scope of Grounds Maintenance Contract

Reduce ongoing Projects budget

Use Capital / Leader funding to support community groups on procurement