Working Together for the Next Five Years – A Consultation Paper Corporate Strategy 2012 / 17

BACKGROUND Members’ seminar: 19 June 2012 Framework: OHCPP SOA Local Outcomes Consultation paper issued 18 July 2012 Responses by 30 August 2012 Members’ seminar: 4 September 2012 Next steps Approval of Corporate Strategy

CONTEXT Comhairle’s priorities and resources Public sector funding constraints £6.5m savings over two years (from £117m) Scottish Government Economic Strategy OHCPP SOA Effective Partnership Audit of Best Value and Community Planning 2011

INTRODUCTION 171 Responses(total) 34 hard copy responses 137 online responses 5 group/agency responses 1 CPP response Small percentage of population Identify common themes Identify differences

Population and economy 163 respondents (95%) Broad support for priorities -75.5% 24.5% not wholly in agreement : – Roads and transport infrastructure still a high priority – Broadband and renewables – lack of sufficient investment and slow progress – Housing and fuel poverty – Gaelic not a priority – Address unemployment – Meet needs of elderly – Reduce Public Sector duplication

Population and economy Key points: Develop air and sea transport Retain ADS and RET for businesses Business support Reduce cost of travel and fuel Invest in education and employment Continued investment in physical and virtual infrastructure Foster meaningful partnership working

Education and Training 132 (77%) respondents 94.7% broadly in support of priorities 5.3% not wholly supportive: – Education and Skills for life – Lifelong learning – Retention of experienced school teachers – Links between schools, training agencies and employers – New technology – Incentives to young families – Modern apprenticeships

Education and Training Key points: Address falling school rolls Retain and attract young people to settle on the islands Incentivise young families – favourable economic circumstances Low cost nurseries and community facilities Housing and Employment Vocational Strategy Replicate best practice elsewhere

Health and Wellbeing 125 (73%) respondents 95% broadly supportive of priorities 4.8% not wholly supportive : – Effective Partnership working an immediate priority – Education for older people – active lifestyles – Older people should not be asked to volunteer – Potential role for youth unemployed

Health and Wellbeing Key points: Joint agency working Innovative solutions – early interventions Involve elderly in service design and delivery More support for care at home Promote living at home Promote sport, health and outdoors Extend Slainte Mhath to disadvantaged groups

Communities 120 (70%) respondents 86% broadly supportive of priorities 14% not wholly supportive: – Opposition to Broadband and renewables – Renewables will affect tourism adversely – Cultural heritage not a priority in light of other pressures – Education and training vital – Social housing “Sustainable development does not strengthen communities; you can have strong but poor communities”

Communities Key points: Community ownership/empowerment Transport, recreational and educational resources Range of Housing options Community/youth engagement Effective partnerships/community representation Innovation Retain rural schools

Natural and Cultural Resources 112 (65%) respondents (85.7%) broadly supportive of priorities 14.3% (16) respondents not wholly supportive : – Opposition and support for Comhairle position on environmental designations (in equal measure) – Support for Comhairle position on economic development grounds – Support not entirely unconditional –need to balance environmental concerns – Cultural heritage not as important and not the remit of the Comhairle – Tourism is at saturation point in terms of ferries and accommodation – Outer Hebrides brand needs strengthening

Natural and Cultural Resources Key points: Use natural and cultural resources responsibly Less of a priority than other areas Not a complete solution Conflicting messages on Gaelic – for and against

General 108 (63%) respondents 84% broadly supportive of priorities 15% not wholly supportive: - Maintain existing road and transport infrastructure - Focus on statutory duties - Prioritise sea/maritime and land - Oil and nuclear options - No long term strategy - Lack of ambition/ Lack of positivity (of language) - Outer Hebrides – marketing the islands

General Key points: Govt support for developing industries – e.g. renewables - revenue generation Care for the elderly Affordable housing/employment/education Control of assets – Crown Estate Reduce cost of fuel/transport/goods Improve infrastructure Partnership Leadership Innovation

Next 5 years Review priorities Review sectors Service choices Other factors - Internal - External Outcomes – measurement Next steps