Discussions to accelerate Transformation Through Collaboration

Clackmannanshire Council has agreed to engage with Falkirk and Stirling Council to develop a full options appraisal on the potential acceleration and evolution of the Transformation Through Collaboration Programme that is underway between all three Councils.

A meeting of Council (1 October) heard that the recently announced Programme for Government presents an opportunity to influence national public service reform policy.

Council has agreed to engage proactively to further influence thinking to support the delivery of sustainable public services to the residents and communities of Clackmannanshire.  As part of this, councillors also agreed unanimously at the meeting to form a cross-party working group.

The Council’s Be the Future transformation priorities, plans and activity are positively aligned with the aims of the Programme for Government - eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate and nature emergencies and strengthening the NHS and public services.

The fast pace of national discussion on public service reform creates an opportunity for the three Councils to demonstrate credible reform proposals to influence the future shape of local government and secure access to national support, flexibilities and investment.

This work will have a particular focus on the impact on our communities, protecting Clackmannanshire’s identity and local democratic voice within any future regional arrangements, and our ability to deliver high-quality services and support at a local level for our residents.

Council Leader Cllr Ellen Forson said: “Clackmannanshire has already shown that we can do things differently. Through work such as our Family Wellbeing Partnership and Transformation Space, we have developed new ways of working with communities and partners that are being recognised nationally.

“At the same time, the financial and workforce challenges facing local government are well rehearsed, and we have to be open to new ways of working where they can improve services, strengthen resilience and make better use of the resources we have.

“The work already underway between Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling has now been recognised in the Programme for Government as an example that can help inform wider reform. That puts us in a strong position not simply to respond to change, but to be at the front of shaping what comes next.

“For me, the important thing is that any change delivers for people. We should be ambitious about what we can do regionally while protecting the strong local identity, community connections and approaches that work precisely because we are close to the people we serve.”

Any potential recommended changes arising from the options appraisal will be submitted to each Council for appropriate governance following full evaluation of benefits, risks and impacts. Trade Unions will continue to have a meaningful role in assessing workforce impacts and shaping workforce-related proposals. A further report on the proposed programme, governance, priorities, resources and decision gateways will be submitted to a future Council meeting.