Published on:
15
August 2013
Clackmannanshire Council is facing some extremely difficult and challenging decisions in the lead up to setting the 2014/15 budget.
Council was updated today (Thursday) on the progress with the preparation of the budget and the need to find just under £8 million of savings for 2014/15 to allow the Council to set a balanced budget.
Council Leader, Councillor Gary Womersley said: "This position presents an unprecedented level of challenge when considered alongside the £13.9 million of budget savings already made by the Council in the last three years alone.
"It is imperative that the Council focuses its attention on setting a balanced budget for 2014/15.
"There is no doubt that the budget setting process for 2014/15 will be extremely challenging. The Council is facing some extremely difficult decisions and it is clear that there is much work to be undertaken to realise the level of savings required.
"In the run up to setting the budget, this Administration remains committed to its principles of transparency and openness."
The budget strategy involves a year-round approach to the identification, development, monitoring and implementation of proposals to reduce the Council's expenditure and/or increase income.
Councillor Womersley added: "It is clear that if current trends continue and these are passed on to local government rather than being reduced through alternative UK and Scottish Government strategies, the position is only likely to be sustainable if there is a full and frank appraisal and expression of service priorities and areas for reduction are clearly identified and acted upon.
"Within the Council, there is much work to be undertaken to realise the potential level of savings required. It is clear that a 'salami slicing' approach will not bridge the funding gap and that a more radical review of corporate priorities, levels of performance and models of service delivery is required if a sustainable cost base is to be established."