Published on:
23
August 2010
Two budget engagement events are being held next month - a chance for you to shape the future of public services in Clackmannanshire.
The events - which will take place in local supermarkets - are part of the wide ranging public engagement programme to gather comments from the people who use the hundreds of services we provide every day.
Ultimately councillors will be making budget decisions so it is vital that their decisions are well informed and the impact of changes is understood.
Both events will be held from 10am - 6pm - the first is on Thursday 2nd September at Morrison's, then on Thursday 16th September staff will be at Tesco's.
Nikki Bridle, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, said: "Local government is accustomed to making major efficiencies, which generate millions of pounds of savings every year. While we will all continue to modernise the way we work, there is no way that we can find these significant savings by making efficiencies alone. We have to look at doing things differently, stopping some services and charging for others.
"We are beginning this period of far-reaching change from a strong position and are committed to change. This is demonstrated by some the tough decisions we've already taken such as closing the public toilets in Alloa, introducing transport charges for adults with disabilities and cutting our grant to the tourist board. Over the years we have also developed shared services arrangements such as environmental health and trading standards, which we share with Stirling Council.
"We know what the challenges are and now we need to come up with solutions as we plan for the future. By working together we can make Clackmannanshire an even better place to live, work and visit."
A feedback leaflet, called 'Money Matters', which explains how the Council currently spends its budget and illustrates the kinds of areas where senior officers think we could close the budget gap, is available in all Council offices and will be available at the public events.
A questionnaire containing 12 questions is included in the leaflet, as well as space for general comments and suggestions. 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 and at the public events. 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.
Senior Council staff have asked to attend local community council meetings in September and October to gather more feedback, while a series of events with the Council workforce to gauge their views on potential savings have already started. Meetings with the business community and other public sector organisations have been planned.
Council leader Janet Cadenhead added: "We would like to encourage everyone to take the opportunity to have their say on this vital issue which is why we've organised so many ways for the public to engage with us. You can write to us, fill in a questionnaire - either online or on paper - send us an email or speak to us face to face at one of these events at Tesco's or Morrison's. I'd also like to thanks Morrison's and Tesco's for allowing us to use their stores - it's a great way to reach the people who use our services."