Published on:
26
February 2026
Councillors have agreed spending on services for this year, with a focus on delivering high-quality services.
At a special meeting of the Council earlier today (26 February) a revenue budget of £181m and a gross capital budget of £54m was approved for 2026/27.
A net resource transfer to the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership of £31.6m was also agreed for 2026/27.
Councillors agreed to raise Council Tax by 5.6%, resulting in a Band D Council tax of £1,683.67.
Councillors also agreed to a planned £238m Capital Investment Programme for the period from 2026/27 to 2045/46.
This planned programme includes the delivery of the Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School in Alloa.
Councillors heard we have made £74m of savings since 2010 through modernising services, embedding digital solutions, reshaping structures and strengthening financial resilience.
While these changes have improved efficiency and protected priority services the Council continues to operate in a challenging context.
We face a projected cumulative funding gap of £24.5m by 2031/32, and opportunities for further incremental efficiencies are now limited.
The meeting also heard about our Target Operating Model and the plan in the next few years to further streamline the Council's senior management structure, following a previous restructure in 2018.
This is part of our ongoing Be The Future transformation and is in response to ongoing financial pressures, the need for innovation and embracing further changes in the way we operate.
Council leader, Councillor Ellen Forson said: "I know this has been a difficult year for many families and individuals across Clackmannanshire. Households are still feeling the impact of rising costs, and setting this budget has required careful and responsible decisions.
"The Council has agreed a £181.2m revenue budget for 2026/27, alongside a £54m capital investment programme. Our priority throughout has been to protect the services that people rely on every day - our schools, support for vulnerable families, adult social care, and the services that keep our communities safe and connected.
"We have taken the decision to increase Council Tax by 5.6%. That is not something we do lightly, but it allows us to maintain essential local services while continuing to invest in Clackmannanshire's future - including our new Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School and improvements to roads and community facilities.
"I want to thank residents for their continued engagement and our staff for their dedication and care. Together, we will continue working to ensure Clackmannanshire remains a place where people feel supported, valued and able to thrive."