Western Isles Council Leader sets out steps and work being done to recover from COVID-19 impact

Comhairle Leader, Roddie Mackay described how he had stressed to ministers the need to move on with energy and digital initiatives and to commit to local capital projects.

In a public statement issued this week, he said: “The challenges we faced pre COVID-19, requiring prudent management of our financial resources, have been brought into sharp focus with the additional costs and lost income arising from the impacts of the pandemic.

“We have had significant support from both governments but will still face a shortfall in covering the direct costs of COVID 19.”

He highlighted the loss of income from sources, such as the Sports Centres, as well as significant additional costs due to delays to capital projects.

He added: “Recently we launched Economic Recovery Strategy which aspires to ‘reimagine and reform the economy of the Outer Hebrides’ by helping to create strong and resilient communities where community capacity and wealth is built up and where there is a focus on the green economy and digital inclusion.

“Our local economy has taken a severe blow from this pandemic, particularly in the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors, but there are unquestionably opportunities going forward and we have to be ready to embrace them and we will work alongside our business sector to do just that.”

PRAISE FOR TIG’s ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMME

In regards to the good work which is already being put in place in the Islands the Leader praised the efforts of the Western Isles Poverty and Social Inclusion Programme.

The Comhairle plays a key role as a Lead Partner on the Poverty and Social Inclusion Programmes which have three main functions: the Financial Inclusion Service, the Fuel Poverty Advice services and the Financial Welfare Support Fund.

“One of our long term partners in the above Poverty programme, and also in the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes, has been Tighean Innse Gall (often referred to as TIG) and we were pleased to reappoint them as the Managing Agent for the programmes,” said the Leader.

Explaining more about the work of the community benefit organisation, he highlighted: “They have been doing this successfully for the last seven years during which time TIG have overseen the installation of over 7,800 energy efficiency measures in houses throughout the Outer Hebrides.”

He also praised the work of school hubs during the crisis.

He pointed out: “I thought we should all acknowledge the excellent provision made available at the school hubs, which were established in response to the COVID-19 school closures, for the children of key workers and vulnerable pupils.

“There has been a great ongoing service provided by teams of education staff. A big well done to all who have been involved and I know those who needed to use this service greatly appreciated it.”

And concluding his statement the Leader urged the Islands to be mindful of government guidance and physical distancing going forward.

He said: As the islands inevitably open up to families coming and going, key workers moving about and holiday visitors arriving on our shores let’s ensure that we maintain common sense and wise decision making for as long as the potential remains for COVID to spread.

“It will unquestionably be good for families and friends to reconnect and for all of us to re-establish a degree of social interaction which is an essential part of normal living, and also for people to get back to work wherever possible, but that has to be done in a responsible and sensible manner.”