Hard-up council face strike action
Staff in dire financial straits, says UNISON
Clackmannanshire Council workers could be facing a strike ballot following the setting of last week’s budget which includes savings of £7.376m.
Councillors approved the 2018/19 revenue budget of £118.796m along with a capital budget of £54.972m for the five years up to 2023.
But UNISON branch chairperson Andy Kane said following last Thursday’s budget meeting: “Our members have mandated us to undertake an industrial action ballot and the branch is in discussion on how this will be taken forward.”
UNISON members, particularly female members, will be left in dire financial straits due to pay cuts following the setting of the 2018-19 budget according to branch secretary Pam Robertson.
She said the council’s decision, taken on International Women’s Day, showed “a clear contempt for its low paid staff – not least as it would appear the resigning chief executive is being given early access to her pension straight away, at a huge cost to the council.” It is understood there are to be no compulsory redundancies.
SNP council leader Les Sharp said the budget had been the most challenging to date. He pointed out: “Tough choices had to be taken which at the heart of were decisions to transform how the council carries out its business to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
“What is clear is that we cannot continue to deliver the same services in the same way we have always done and this budget sets us on that path. In so many ways the financial position of the council is outwith our control.
“We currently spend around £8m each year on PPP payments and this year have had to set aside £495,000 to mitigate Tory welfare reform. If we had this money at our disposal, there would be so many other options available.”
Labour group leader Dave Clark pointed to council savings of £63m which had come out of the Clackmannanshire economy over the last five years – and savings over the next three years which would amount to £30m. He also stressed that there was also a residual 2018/19 budget gap of £2.355m to add to the £7.376m planning savings agreed last Thursday. He added: “That’s money that the local authority is not spending year to year. The Clackmannanshire economy is struggling and employees are not spending money in the local economy. It’s devastating.
“The public shouldn’t be too harsh on Les Sharp. It’s a tough hand he’s been dealt by Holyrood.”
Council Tax for Band D properties (with a value of £45,001 to £58,000) is to rise by 3 per cent to £1217.91. That combined with the water charge of £437.40 brings the total to £1655.31.
Band E (value of £58,001 to £80,000) is £1600.20; water charge £534.60 (total £2134.80).
Band F (£80,001 to £106,000) is £1979.11; water charge £631.80 (total £2610.91).
Band G (£106,001 to £212,000) is £2385.08; water charge £729.00 (total £3114.08).
Band H (more than £212,001) £2983.89; water charge £874.80 (total £3858.69).