Published on:
31
August 2010
There has been a great response so far to the Council's efforts to gather feedback on the forthcoming budget.
So far engagement events have been held with Council staff in buildings including schools and at the headquarters at Greenfield
We have also received emails and letters from local residents, as well as lots of completed questionnaires - both online and in writing.
And this week there will be a number of opportunities for local residents to engage at face-to-face events.
Senior council staff will be talking to members of the Town Centre Business Improvement District, Muckhart Community Council, Clackmannanshire Tenants and Residents Federation and the Joint Community Council Forum, this week.
And the first of two budget engagement events in an Alloa supermarket will also be held next week. 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: "We're delighted with the response so far - both from staff and local residents. The process is generating lots of ideas and debate. And I would encourage anyone who is yet to get involved to have their say. This is your chance to shape the future of public services in Clackmannanshire. 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."
Councillors will be making budget decisions later this year and early in 2011 so it is vital that their decisions are well informed and the impact of changes is understood.
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.