Published on:
27
September 2010
Time is running out for local residents to return their 'Money Matters' feedback questionnaire.
Thousands of the questionnaires, which are contained within the 'Money Matters' leaflet have been handed out at the events and Council buildings over the past couple of months.
The closing date for returns is Monday 4th October, to allow officers time to start analysing and costing the many suggestions that have been made.
The questionnaire is a key part of the Council's ongoing budget engagement process. 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 during these challenging times. As has been widely publicised, the public sector is anticipating a minimum 12% reduction in funding. For Clackmannanshire, that means budget savings of around £18 million over the period 2011-2014.
The engagement exercise included a number of face-to-face events, including successful events at Morrison's and Tesco's supermarkets in Alloa.
Council Leader Sam Ovens said: "We're pleased with the response we've had to our budget engagement process, which has generated a lot of ideas and suggestions. I'd like to thank Tesco's and Morrison's for allowing us to use their stores - it was a great way to reach lots of local people. I'd also like to thank the Scotfest food festival in Alva for allowing us to distribute Money Matters leaflets there too. Officers have also met with community councils, parents councils, business organisations, council staff, and some of our public sector partners to explain the issues and gather feedback. This has been a very worthwhile process, and one that I'm sure we'll repeat in the years ahead."
The Money Matters leaflet, which includes the questionnaire, is available in all Council offices. 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. 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 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.