Plan to reduce cleaning in Western Isles schools
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's cleaning services have faced cuts over the last two years
- Published
Schools, nurseries and council offices in the Western Isles could be cleaned less frequently due to budget cuts, the islands' local authority has warned.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's in-house cleaning service looks after 16 schools, 14 nurseries and 29 other buildings across Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra.
But a new report said the service had faced cuts totalling £110,000 over the last two years, while over the last five years the number of staff employed on a permanent basis had dropped from 108 people to 86.
The comhairle is to hold a consultation on reducing the frequency of cleaning to help it meet this year's savings.
In the report, the education and children's services department, which has responsibility for cleaning, said: "The proposals for 2025-26 will mean less staff with less time to clean.
"The current cleaning standard will be adjusted down to suit the resources available, and will be notified to schools and other clients."
The report is due to be considered by councillors at a meeting next week.