Western Isles MSP seeks assurance on advocacy services

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan has written to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar asking them for assurances about services for people in the islands who have learning difficulties.

Dr Allan has asked the Comhairle to clarify whether new arrangements being discussed in the council this week will allow all the existing service users of Advocacy Western Isles to continue accessing advice and support.

“Acceptable solution”

Alasdair Allan commented:

“I have been approached by quite a number of service users of Advocacy Western Isles, which has provided much need support to many people in this community, as they are concerned to know what the future holds for this service.

“In the coming few days the Comhairle will be making decisions about whether these services should be provided by its own Social Work department.

“Service users have asked me to obtain assurances from the Comhairle that this does not mean that services will only be provided to people who meet the eligibility criteria for referral to a social worker.

“I appreciate that the Comhairle, like the rest of the public service in Scotland, has to steward its money carefully at the moment, but I am anxious to make sure that all of the people who currently use this valuable service will continue to do so. I look forward to working with the Comhairle on this matter and hope that an acceptable solution can be reached.”

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