Published on:
16
August 2010
The budget engagement feedback leaflet is now available online and from all Council offices.
The leaflet, which includes a questionnaire, is a key part of the Council's efforts to come up with solutions to the challenging financial situation facing all public sector organisations over the next few years.
We are seeking comments from the people who use the hundreds of services we provide every day to help us make some of the difficult choices ahead.
Nikki Bridle, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, said: "Thanks to the efforts of our workforce we begin this period of far-reaching change from a strong position, with capacity in place to tackle whatever lies ahead.
"We have drawn up plans in anticipation of the widely publicised minimum 12% reduction in public sector budgets. That means budget savings of around £18m over the period 2011-2014. However, we don't know the details of our grant and we could have to make even greater savings, perhaps up to 20%. At the same time, we'll have to find ways of dealing with increased demand for some Council services.
"We know what the challenges are and now we need to come up with solutions. We want to hear your ideas on which services we can supply differently, which services the community can help to support and which services you value enough to pay for. By working together we can make Clackmannanshire an even better place to live, work and visit."
The feedback leaflet, called 'Money Matters', explains how the Council currently spends its budget and illustrates the kinds of areas where senior officers think we could close the budget gap.
A questionnaire containing 12 questions is included, as well as space for general comments and suggestions. The leaflet has been distributed around Council buildings across Clackmannanshire including main offices, libraries, secondary schools, halls and community centres. A Freepost address has been set up so that the questionnaires can be returned at no cost. They can also be handed into any Council office or building. The deadline for questionnaires to be returned is 4th October.
More information is also available on the Council's website with a link from the front page and the questionnaire is available to complete online or to download. There is also a new dedicated email address for comments on this issue: lookabootye@clacks.gov.uk. Or you can write to us at Freepost TY805, Clackmannanshire Council, Greenfield, Alloa, FK10 2AD.
Public engagement events are being organised and we will be talking to community councils at an early stage. We are also holding events to talk to staff, unions, the business community and other public sector organisations in order to gather their feedback.
Nikki added: "We hope this engagement exercise will raise awareness of the challenges the Council is facing and what it means for public services. Ultimately councillors will be making budget decisions so we need to hear the views of those affected so that our decisions are well informed and the impact of changes is understood. As we plan for the future, it's important that people of Clackmannanshire share their views with us about what they think our priorities should be."
Council leader Janet Cadenhead added: "We would like to encourage everyone to take the opportunity to have their say on this vital issue. We are committed to engaging with communities. We have a timetable planned for the discussion process and as we receive feedback we will keep you updated on the information we have received and how it's likely to shape our decisions. We'll also have regular updates for staff and trade unions as the engagement process evolves."