Debate around single authority for Western Isles

Some councillors have renewed calls for a single island authority (SIA) to run services in the Western Isles.

It would bring together Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, NHS Western Isles' board and Hebridean Housing Partnership in one organisation.

The calls came during the comhairle's policy and resources committee, which approved a medium-term financial plan to tackle a potential budget deficit of £26.5m by 2030.

Orkney Islands Council agreed last week it would investigate a single authority model to reform how public services are delivered.

Western Isles councillor Angus McCormack described the comhairle's financial situation as being "extremely challenging".

He said a move to a SIA represented the best option for the comhairle, but added agreement would need to be reached with the Scottish government around increased funding.

But another councillor, Norrie MacDonald, raised concerns SIA status could lead to budget cuts.

Chief executive Malcolm Burr told the committee: "There are two sides to that one – inevitably, when organisations merge there is a possibility of what's loosely called efficiencies, but that comes over time.

"But the greater problem is with the current system whereby we are all siloed in funding streams – health, housing, local government – and that funding, if it's not adequate, means that we have to make these so-called efficiencies or reductions alone."

He added: "There is always a risk in change."

Reporting by local democracy reporter Peter Urpeth.