MISSION STATEMENT 1999 - 2003

Working together for the Western Isles

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is a democratically elected local authority whose purpose is to sustain and improve the quality of life for all people in the Western Isles, respecting the cultural and religious traditions.

CA 1

Continuously improve our core services as measured by statutory performance indicators

90% of statutory performance indicators where improvement is possible improve year on year

ChEx

CA 2

Ensure that we maintain the highest quality of decision making and service delivery.

No complaints to the Ombudsman or Controller of Audit are upheld during 2001-2002.

ChEx

CA 3

Ensure projects and programmes are successfully completed within agreed timescales and budgets

95% of projects and programmes to be delivered on time and within budget.

DFin

CA 4

Ensure that corporate and departmental objectives are incorporated into the day to day workings of staff and that performance is monitored

100% of staff covered by the Staff Development and Appraisal Scheme to have an agreed forward work plan by September 2001

DCS

CA 5

Establish and monitor compliance with a corporate standard for acknowledging and replying to written and electronic correspondence

All correspondence to be acknowledged in three working days with a substantive response in 15 working days.[1]

DCS

CA 6

Minimise the risk to Comhairle assets, staff and customers

Risk management strategy and action plan to be agreed and approved by March 2002.

DFin

ELS 1

Implement the New Community School in Sgoil Lionacleit School Cluster.

DELS

Achieved

-

ELS 2

Establish a New Community School in the Stornoway School Cluster.

DELS

Funding has been secured for a New Community Schools project in Lewis and Harris.  Implementation is currently underway.

Establish a New Community School project in Lewis and Harris by June 2001

ELS 3

Ensure pre-school education places for all 3 year olds whose parents wish it.

DELS

Pre-school education places for all parents who wish it are available throughout the islands. The Western Isles Childcare Partnership has achieved this by the developing childcare provision throughout the islands.

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ELS 4

Implement a programme of refurbishment & new build projects for schools in the Western Isles

DELS

Funding for Sir E Scott School in included in the Capital Programme.  A review of school replacement and refurbishment policy is currently underway in the light of emerging Comhairle policy on school development.

An updated policy on school refurbishment and replacement to be approved by March 2002.

ELS 5

Establish a network of after-school homework clubs.

DELS

Achieved

-

ELS 6

Expand ICT to all schools in the Western Isles.

DELS

The equipment is in place in all schools.  The provision of technician support is now being reviewed.

Ensure that adequate technician support is in place to support ICT in schools by March 2002

SW 1

Programme of replacement or major refurbishment for Residential Homes, in order of priority, Uist House, Harris House and Dun Berisay.

DSW

DoH

Uist House:

The community consultation exercise has been completed and the full feasibility study for architectural and financial planning is now underway with a view to a full plan for approval coming to the Comhairle in October 2001.  Work will begin on site in 2002. (see also HS5)

A strategy is being developed for the remaining residential homes

A start on site for Uist House replacement by 31 March 2002.  The programme of replacement or major refurbishment for Residential Homes achieved by March 2005.

SW 2

Ensure that at least 75% of all services provided in the home and residential establishments are by staff with permanent contracts.  Ensure that in certain areas of the Western Isles the same staff provide home care and residential care.

DSW

Work to develop proposals for a contracted workforce is nearing completion and implementation is planned for the end of 2001.

Implementation of contracted workforce proposals by 31 December 2001

SW 3

Extend the Faire service to cover smoke and fire detection.

DSW

Achieved

SW 4

Support the Lewis Retirement Centre Committee in seeking to replace the Lewis Retirement Centre with a flexible resource centre for elderly or disabled people.

DSW

£150,000 grant to the Lewis Retirement Centre has been included in the Capital Programme.

SW 5

To establish a development programme for those Care Units that are underused, to ensure that all options for their use to support community care, whether as respite facilities, full 24-hour care, day car or as resources for the voluntary sector are comprehensively examined.

DSW

Proposals for Carloway Care Unit in relation to dementia have been developed and the funding arrangements are being put in place.  A review of all other care units is currently underway.

Complete the review by 30 April 2002

SW 6

Establish a community foster care placement scheme, as direct alternative to current residential and community mainland placements.

DSW

The Foster Care Placement Scheme for Lewis and Harris will be operational by March 2002.

Community Foster Care Placement Scheme implemented by 31 March 2002Number of foster care placements as a percentage of all placements to increase by 31 March 2006

SW 7

Implement an assessment process for carers and extend the current range of services focused on the needs of family carers, in association with the Western Isles Community Care Forum.

DSW

The Comhairle is providing funding to the voluntary sector to provide support to carers The assessment process and support services will be in place by March 2002.

Assessment process and the extension of services for family carers to be implemented by 31 March 2002

ES 1

Support Action by Communities on their Environment (ACE) by the enhancement of Environmental Improvement Grants.

DSC

ACE scheme has been established and implemented successfully

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ES 2

Co-ordinate a funded Stornoway Amenity Development Scheme to enhance the physical appearance of Stornoway and its approaches.

DSC

Funding has been secured through landfill tax credits.  The Stornoway Amenity Trust will administer the scheme and implementation is planned for December 2001.

Stornoway Amenity Development Scheme operational by December 2001

ES 3

Develop a long term waste collection and disposal strategy that will be sustainable, enhance the environment, create jobs based locally and meet waste diversification targets and recycling wastes wherever possible.

DSC

SEPA is currently developing a strategy.  From this strategy an implementation plan for those issues where the Comhairle has the lead responsibility will be prepared.

Waste Collection & Disposal Strategy implementation plan in place by March 2002

ES 4

Reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases from landfill using energy from waste technologies where possible.

DSC

Installation has been delayed by the development works for the new site.

To have the information in place to establish a target for the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases from landfill sites by March 2002

ES 5

Develop a business support initiative to assist businesses meet the increase in legislative controls.

DSC

A proof of age scheme has been introduced and food hygiene training is also being provided.

250 people  trained in food hygiene as at March 2002

ES 6

Encourage communities to be responsible for an increasing number of environmental services e.g. public conveniences.

DSC

This task has been achieved in relation to the services provided by the Environmental Services Committee.  Communities are now responsible for public conveniences, a large number of burial grounds and community skips.  It is proposed that this key aim is transferred to the Policy and Resources Committee to ensure other departments consider this aim in relation to their services.

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H 1

Resolve the debt problem for the Comhairle’s Housing Service as part of the Government’s New Housing Partnership initiative.

DoH

The development of proposals and consultation on stock transfer is currently taking place.  A decision on stock transfer will be taken in July 2001.

The Housing Committee to take the decision on stock transfer in July 2001.

H 2

In partnership with the Western Isles Residents Forum devise and implement a Tenant Participation Policy which will promote the involvement of tenants in the decision making process.

DoH

Achieved

H 3

In partnership with other agencies and the local community improve the former MOD and Comhairle Houses in Balivanich in accordance with the Balivanich Enhancement Plan.

DoH

Funding has been secured.  Implementation of the enhancement plan proposals will be achieved in the lifetime of this Comhairle.

Meet requirements of Balivanich Enhancement Plan, in relation to former MOD & Council Houses in Balivanich, by March 2003

H 4

Install Carbon Monoxide detectors in all houses owned by the Comhairle, which have gas heating or solid fuel room heaters.

DoH

A programme to install Carbon Monoxide detectors in all houses owned by the Comhairle, which have gas heating or solid fuel room heaters is currently underway.

Install CO2 detectors in all appropriate Council Houses by March 2003

H 5

Working together with Social Work Department, and in partnership with the Health Board, other public agencies and the community, develop an extra care housing project at Daliburgh.

DoH

DSW

The community consultation exercise has been completed and the funding for the project is now in place.  Work will begin on site in 2002 (see also SW1).

Work to begin on site in Daliburgh by March 2002

H 6

Develop the old library site for housing in Stornoway Town Centre as part of the Stornoway Regeneration Project.

DoH

Detailed proposals and the funding package for this project are now in place.  Planning issues have meant that the start of work on site has been delayed.

Planning issues to be resolved by August 2001.

H 7

In partnership with Scottish Homes and the community based Housing Association develop sites for housing for rent in Stornoway town centre, Parkend, Harris, South Uist and Barra.

DoH

A programme for new houses is currently underway.  Building in Stornoway, Parkend, Bayble and Tarbert is scheduled for completion in 2002/2003.  Whilst 8 new houses are awaiting completion in Barra at present, another 4 additional houses may be possible and detailed proposals are being developed.

20 houses to be completed by March 2002.

24 houses to be completed by March 2003

H 8

Develop & implement a Warm Homes strategy

DoH

The Comhairle plans to install carbon monoxide detectors in 480 houses by the year 2003.  Further details of plans and progress are included in the Housing Service Plan.

Install carbon monoxide detectors in 480 houses by the year 2003

H 9

Work towards eliminating the occupation of seriously below tolerable standard housing.

DSC

A policy will be presented to the Committee to target certain types of housing stock in order to ensure that those houses below the tolerable standard are prioritised for grant assistance.

130 occupied houses, currently classified as below tolerable standard, in the Western Isles to be improved to the tolerable standard each year

H 10

Increase the proportion of Housing Grant expenditure on Environmental Works in association with housing settlements to 10% over the period of the Comhairle.

DSC

5% of housing capital spent on environmental works in 2000-01. The scheme has been planned and budgeted for in future years.

10% housing capital to be spent on environmental works in 2001-02

DS 1

Pursue Government agencies and other bodies to relocate their offices to the Western Isles, especially those concerned with Gaelic, crofting, broadcasting and fishing.

DSC

Highlands and Islands Enterprise are decentralising 20 jobs to Benbecula.  Marketing material has been produced and suitable accommodation identified in order to press home the Comhairle’s case for Government jobs to be located.

Secure the successful relocation of one further agency to the Western Isles by 31 March 2002.

DS 2

Establish a Western Isles presence in Edinburgh to serve and promote the Western Isles.

DSC

Deferred until resources available

-

DS 3

Investigate with Government ways of reducing fuel prices in the Western Isles.

DSC

Fuel surveys have been carried out and Government lobbying has taken place.  Work in this area continues to be ongoing.

-

DS 4

To co-operate with other agencies and bodies to provide an excellent economic development service.

DSC

Work is currently underway in partnership with Western Isles Enterprise to establish a Local Economic Forum. Partnership Action for Continuing Employment has been established and a new niche tourism marketing initiative is currently being developed.

Establish the Local Economic Forum by 30 September 2001

DS 5

Seek by all means possible inward investment to the Western Isles

DSC

Advertising and promotional work is on going and has been targeted to maximise the spin off from Castaway 2000 and other productions.  The Creed Business Park is ready for occupation.

Implement the Niche Marketing Initiative by 30 September 2001.

Fill two plots in the Creed Business Park by 31 March 2002.

DS 6

Develop an enterprise culture

DSC

Collaborative work has been undertaken with the Western Isles Education Business Partnership. Youth Enterprise officer will deliver a high quality advice service for young people to encouraging an entrepreneurial ethos.

Deliver the new youth enterprise initiative by 30 September 2001

DS 7

Ensure appropriate skills training and retention with particular reference to environmental and crofting improvement.

DSC

The Community Employment Programme has assisted 89 clients during 2000/01.  The Skillseekers/Initial Training has resulted in 71% securing positive outcomes including employment and 28 people have been assisted back to work via the Programme Centre.

Establish a new comprehensive Community Employment Initiative by 31 December 2001.

The following are the Skillseeker targets for 2001-2002:

85% of all applicants to secure a training placement

80% of all completers to achieve the target qualification

80% of all trainees to enter full employment

DS 8

Undertake a feasibility study into the provision of a fisheries facility on the west side of Uist.

DSC

Budgetary provision has been made for the feasibility study in 2001-2002

Complete the feasibility study by March 2002.

DS 9

To complete Development Plan coverage and by regular monitoring and review ensure they remain up to date.

DSC

Negotiations are currently underway over objections to the Harris Local Plan.  Arrangements are being made for a Public Local Inquiry into the Broadbay Local Plan

Publish the draft Structure Plan and send to Scottish Minister by 31 March 2002.

Hold a Public Local Inquiry into the Broadbay Local Plan and adopt the plan by 31 March 2002.

Publish the consultative draft Rural Lewis Plan by 30 September 2001

DS 10

Meet Central Government expectations with regard to the production of plans for Local Agenda 21, Bio-diversity and the management of Special Areas of Conservation.

DSC

Work has started on the Local Agenda 21 strategy and the Bio-diversity action plan.  The SAC Management Plan for Loch nam Madadh has been completed.

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DS 11

To create a diversified sustainable economy within which there are sufficient quality job opportunities to encourage young skilled people to stay in or return to the islands.

DSC

Work is ongoing to achieve this aim.  The targets included illustrate the types of projects that are currently being supported.

New Business Advantage Scheme operational by 30 September 2001

The Boatbuilding scheme will establish one full time job and three trainees by 31 March 2002.

Retain or create 10 FTE jobs in local economic development bodies by 31 March 2002.

DS 12

To create an even spread of opportunities throughout the Western Isles supported by a property network.

DSC

100 business properties are available throughout the Western Isles.  Work is underway to improve the quality of the properties and increase occupancy rates.

Occupancy rates as at March to increase year on year.

DS13

To focus resources on the developing industries of ICT, oil, tourism and fish farming.

DSC

Promoted the Western Isles to ICT, oil, tourism & fish farming industries.

Deliver enhanced ICT initiative by 30 September 2001

Attract new users to Arnish Point by March 2002

DS 14

Develop Enhancement Plans for each port of entry to the islands

DSC

Enhancement Plans have been completed for Lochboisdale, Leverburgh.  Castlebay enhancement plan has been completed with funding from the Working for Communities Pathfinder.  The development of a Stornoway enhancement plan is currently in progress.

Two enhancement plans completed each year until full coverage has been achieved

DS 15

Extend the use of conservation area designations to retain the best of the islands’ built heritage.

DSC

Two designations have been implemented.  No more are planned.

-

DS 16

Develop a strategy for the preservation, replacement and addition of trees in the Stornoway town area.

DSC

A strategy is currently being developed.

Strategy for the preservation, replacement and addition of trees in the Stornoway town area to be approved by March 2002

DS 17

Restore selected buildings from the thatched building stock.

DSC

Achieved

-

T 1

Develop a Local Transport Strategy.

DTS

Achieved

-

T 2

Introduce a telephone fault reporting service so that departmental response times are improved.

DTS

The possibility of incorporating the fault reporting service into the Social Work Faire service was explored.  It is proposed that the issue of a single access point for Comhairle services is added to the aims of the Policy and Resources Committee

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T 3

To develop a strategy to secure additional funding from Europe & the Scottish Executive for the spinal route and roads in areas of geographic & economic disadvantage.

DTS

The strategy has been developed and implementation is now in progress.

-

T 4

Prioritise resources into road safety and improvement schemes that will benefit the whole of the Western Isles.

DTS

Road Safety objectives and targets are included in the Transport and Community Safety strategies.

Achieve a 40% reduction in all deaths and serious injuries caused by road traffic accidents by March 2010

Achieve a 50% reduction in road traffic accidents involving death or serious injury to children by March 2010.

T 5

Undertake public consultation on the Uig/Dunvegan terminal issue and consider the most appropriate location to serve the interests of the people of the Western Isles.

DTS

Achieved.

T 6

Implement the Sound of Barra Ferry Service.

DTS

Funding has been secured from the Comhairle’s capital programme, Western Isles Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.  Bids have been submitted to Europe and the Scottish Executive for funding and will be submitted to the Scottish Parliament Public Transport Committee.

Subject to the success of the European funding application, complete the infrastructure works relating to the Sound of Barra ferry service by December 2002

T 7

Explore alternative ferry fare pricing structures in the interest of the Western Isles economy.

DTS

Included in the Transport Strategy

-

T 8

Lobby for the administrative headquarters of Cal Mac to be located in the Western Isles.

DTS

Included in the Transport Strategy

-

T 9

Explore the options to improve the Lochboisdale/Castlebay/Oban Ferry Service.

DTS

Included in the Transport Strategy

-

T 10

Lobby the Government & the airlines to address the inadequacy of air services to, from & within the Western Isles with particular emphasis on reliability & affordability.

DTS

Included in the Transport Strategy

-

T 11

Work with HIAL to secure a new terminal building & car park at Stornoway Airport.

DTS

Achieved

-

T 12

Increase the use of public transport in the Western Isles.

DTS

Proposals to increase the use of public transport have been included in the Transport Strategy

Increase the proportion of bus trips to work by 15% in 2001 and 20% by 2011.

Extend the availability of timetable information by providing information boards in at least 30 key locations throughout the islands by March 2002.

T 13

Develop in conjunction with others the potential for a Strategic Transport Partnership for the Highlands and Islands.

DTS

Currently working with Highlands and Islands partners to develop proposals for the establishment of a Strategic Transport Authority in 2002 and the Highlands and Islands Transport Authority by 2005

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T 14

Continue to play an active part in the debate regarding marine traffic/hazardous cargoes through the Minch.

DTS

Comhairle is an active member of the Tanker Traffic in the Minches Working party.  A dedicated tug was already been secured for the Minches in 2001.

Secure a commitment to the introduction of a Compulsory Reporting Requirement for tankers sailing in the Minches by March 2002

Secure a commitment to the requirement for all tankers sailing in the Minches to carry GMDSS by March 2002

Secure a commitment to the requirement for pennants to be on all tankers sailing in the Minches by March 2002.

T 15

Continue to lobby for a meaningful system of discounted tolls & concessions on the Skye Bridge.

DTS

The Comhairle presented a petition to the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee

-

T 16

Secure adequate car parking in Stornoway.

DTS

Included in the Transport Strategy

Number of car parking spaces as counted in March each year within all island shopping areas to remain at October 2000 level

T 17

Develop a safe environment for cyclists & pedestrians in the Western Isles

DTS

Included in the Transport Strategy

Develop a strategy for a core path network for walking and cycling throughout the Western Isles by March 2002.

Increase by 20% the proportion of employees walking to work by 2016 compared to the 1991 census figures

Achieve 5% use of cycles to work by 2012

ALS 1

Develop a Sport Strategy for the Western Isles placing particular emphasis on

-   Identifying and developing two football fields in the Western Isles

-   Extending and refurbishing the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre

DSC

The development of a Sports Strategy is currently underway.  Discussions are on going concerning football pitches in Barra and Stornoway.  The plans for the refurbishment of the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre will be put out to tender in December 2001.

Approved Sport Strategy by September 2001

ALS 2

Develop a Community Learning Strategy for the Western Isles that will include the provision of community development support in all areas of the Western Isles.

DSC

Work is concluding on the finalised Community Learning Strategy and Action Plan.  All communities have access to designated Community Education Officers with the exception of Barra where proposals in conjunction with the Working for Communities Pathfinder are taking place.

Approved Community Learning Strategy and action plan by June 2001

ALS 3

To ensure the continuing development, safety & preservation of Museum collections placing particular emphasis on

-   supporting and developing the Comunn Eachdraidh.

DSC

Funding has yet to be approved for the continuing development of appropriate Museum Storage.

ALS 4

Formulate proposals for future use of Stornoway Town Hall and in conjunction with other agencies secure funding package for development.

DSC

A member officer working group has been established however plans relating to the Town Hall cannot be developed until the future location of An Lanntair has been resolved (likely 2003/2004).

Approved Proposal for the future use of Stornoway Town hall by March 2002

ALS 5

Implement the tasks identified within the Arts Strategy.

DSC

The Arts Strategy is being implemented in line with the action plan.

All tasks identified within the Arts Strategy to be implemented to the timescales agreed in the action plan

ALS 6

Securing a funding package, in conjunction with the Bhaltos Trust and other agencies, to extend and refurbish the Valtos Outdoor Centre

DSC

Provision has been made in the 2001-2002 capital programme and external funding applications have been submitted

ALS 7

Evaluate the current plans for the Lews Castle and, if necessary, examine a partnership solution involving the public and private sector to develop firm proposals for its development or abandonment

DSC

A member officer working group is leading this process.

Future of the Lews Castle to be determined by 31 March 2002

PR 1

Implement Community Planning in the Western Isles including joint resource management initially between the Comhairle and Western Isles Health Board, extending to other partners.

ChEx

Consultation is currently underway on the community planning implementation proposals.  The Western Isles Community Planning Forum will hold an inaugural meeting in April 2001

The Director of Social Work is currently considering service development and implementation proposals in relation to the “Joint Futures” agenda in partnership with Western Isles Health Board

Develop proposals for the implementation of the joint futures agenda by September 2001

PR 2

To review and update the Comhairle’s Bilingual Policy with particular emphasis on the potential of the Gaelic language as a means of job creation.

ChEx

DELS

DSC

The creation of Sgioba na Gaidhlig will allow the review of the Bilingual policy during 2001-2002

Complete the review of the Bilingual Policy by May 2002.

PR 3

To ensure that there are effective internal communication systems throughout the Comhairle.

ChEx

DFin

The Communications Strategy is currently being reviewed and updated.  The revised strategy will be in place by September 2001

Implementation of the revised Communications Strategy by September 2001

PR 4

To establish an effective Research service for the Comhairle.

ChEx

DSC

Proposals have been developed for a Western Isles Community Profile Service. Work is currently underway to explore the possibility of establishing this service funded by and available to the Western Isles Community Planning partners.

Recruit a Community Profile Officer by December 2001

PR 5

Ensure that the interests of the Comhairle and the Western Isles continue to be effectively represented at a UK and European level and to establish an effective relationship with the Scottish Parliament.

ChEx

DSC

Work is ongoing.

PR 6

Introduce a system of three-year financial planning for both revenue and capital expenditure.

DFin

The Comhairle has approved a three-year capital expenditure programme.  The Comprehensive Spending Review has allowed the development of three year financial planning for revenue expenditure.  In order to develop the system further the financial planning process will be linked to policy and service planning.  The development of “Policy Led Budgeting” will enable the full achievement of this key task.

Develop and implement a system of policy led budgeting for revenue and capital expenditure by March 2002

PR 7

Make more effective use of Information Technology for delivering services and disseminating Corporate Information.

DCS

ChEx

In achieving this aim central government “e-government” targets will also be included in implementation proposals

Develop an agreed project plan by March 2002 as to how to meet the Scottish Executive’s target that all possible services should be available on-line by 2005.

PR 8

Co-ordinate a Comhairle wide approach to Data Storage and Archive information.

DCS

A pilot scheme is underway and there are plans to extend the scheme to the Education and Environmental Services Departments.

Council wide arrangements relating to data storage and archive information to be in place by December 2003

PR 9

Co-ordinate, Facilitate and Support the Comhairle’s PMP Framework.

ChEx

DCS

The Chief Executive is chairing a working group whose purpose is to review, improve and oversee the implementation of performance management and planning throughout the Comhairle.

Demonstrate through public performance reporting that the Comhairle is continuously improving its services

Review Area

Lead Officer

Start Date

Completion Date

Building Maintenance (including the client contractor split)

Andrew Mackenzie

June 2001

December 2001

Assistance to Private Sector Housing

Neil Macleod

June 2001

December 2001

Fees and Charges

Helen Pitts

June 2001

December 2001