Wrong data threat to service points, says Highland councillor
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MISLEADING statistics could be used to shut service points in rural communities, according to a Highland councillor.
Jaci Douglas said a press release issued by the council carried the inaccurate claim that 61% of customers who use Highland Council’s website are doing so to access every-day services.
But when the data was analysed, it was 61% out of 400 people who took part in a council survey.
And those individuals stated that they were using the website to look for contact information.
Councillor Douglas, who heads the council’s opposition group, said: "My real worry is that people will believe that that statistic meant 61% of the population is now using the council’s website to access services, instead of going to service points - and that’s just not true.
"I think it’s really important that we are very careful about statistics and we do not use that information to justify closing our vital service points because that face-to-face contact is just so important."
A council spokeswoman said: "The figure of 61% was queried at committee and it was acknowledged there was an error in the website review report. The full survey results in the appendix show that 61% of Citizens’ Panel members use the website to access ‘contact details for council services’."
There are currently 35 service points providing customers with face to face contact.
The council is proposing to close services points in Muir of Ord, Fortrose, Invergordon, Hilton, Ardersier, Grantown, Mallaig, Kinlochleven, Broadford, Lochcarron, Bettyhill, Bonar Bridge, Brora, Dornoch, Helmsdale Lairg and Kingussie.
People could still use "access points" at some libraries but they would need to make the journey to their nearest community hub to see a customer services assistant and access the full range of services.
These community hubs, normal service points with the capability of serving a wider population, would be in Alness, Tain, Inverness Church Street, Nairn, Aviemore, Dingwall, Golspie, Wick, Thurso, Ullapool, Kyle, Portree and Fort William.
Offices in Fort Augustus, Durness, Acharacle, Gairloch and Lochinver would close and be replaced by mobile services.
The plans are out to public consultation until March 19.
