Published on:
13
February 2013
The purpose of formal scrutiny in local government is to ensure that the public have the assurance of an independent assessment of the administration's stewardship of the council's finances and performance.
This is never more important than when the administration sets the council budget for the years ahead.
In Clackmannanshire that responsibility falls to the Resources and Audit Committee of which Independent councillor Archie Drummond is the Convenor.
Commenting on the budget Councillor Drummond said: "Over the months since the election in May 2012 the council administration has stated through regular reports on budget strategy, service performance reports, briefings to members and the publication of 'Taking Clackmannanshire Forward' what and how it intends to proceed.
"So perhaps the first test of the budget is the extent to which it fits with the stated intention. Or as they say, does it do what it says on the tin?
"In financial terms this budget does indeed deliver on continued debt reduction, maintains reserves comfortably above the levels considered to be prudent and meets government requirements on council tax freeze and teacher numbers.
"The budget also takes a longer term view than was typical in the past and presents a cohesive approach to consideration of revenue and capital spending which demonstrates to the public how these fit together to deliver the planned outcomes.
"The new investment, outlined in the political priority initiatives, matches the direction set out in 'Taking Clackmannanshire Forward' published last year.
"The planned utilisation of cash reserves fits with the current International Monetary Fund advice to the reluctant Westminster Government in that, while maintaining appropriate reserves, a time of recession is the right time to invest in public services.
"The proposed level of reserve utilisation strikes me as proportionate and sensible.
"Therefore, from the perspective of scrutiny on behalf of the community, I believe that our community can be reassured that the budget approved by the council does what it says on the tin and meets the test of financial prudence."