Only 17 people attend council budget events

`Big Conversation’ follow-up flops

Only 17 members of the public attended the four public meetings held by Stirling Council last month as part of its budget-setting engagement process.

In total, more council officials than residents were at the gatherings and at one of the consultation events, in Stirling’s Albert Hall, only one person turned up.

Details of the attendance led to accusations against the council of “disrespecting the public” for failing to give sufficient notice of the dates and times of the meetings.

The aim of the gatherings was to further inform Council Tax-payers about its ‘Big Conversation’ initiative launched in autumn.

During that process, residents, council staff and trades union representatives were asked for their views on how the council could cut costs and boost revenue.

According to Conservative councillors, council officials confirmed the venues for the follow-up event on January 8 and 9 but the timetable for the follow-up meetings was not published until late on January 17. The four events were due to take place the following week.

A council spokesman explained the details – issued too late for Observer issues of January 16 or 18 – had been sent to the authority’s 40,000 online users.

This, however, appears to have done

“This information was also relayed to elected members, staff and the public through this document and further engagement sessions in January, the dates of which were announced in advance on our council website and social media feeds.

“These sessions were feedback events, continuing the Big Conversation by offering the public an additional opportunity to engage in the process and show how the council has listened to their ideas and opinions.”

Conservative Group leader Neil Benny was, however, unimpressed by the council’s remarks.

“Sending the details out just a few days before the meetings when Scottish Government guidance requires two weeks’ notice for a community event is not acceptable,” he added.

“Serious questions need to be asked and we should know the role that the SNP leader of the council has played in what amounts to disrespect for the people of Stirling.”

Councillor Benny also criticised the council’s SNP/Labour administration for not yet publishing proposals for its budget and possible savings options.

Council leader Scott Farmer has already stated he does not want to give details until the authority knows exactly how much cash will be available next year.

The council spokesperson said the proposed budget would be published before a special meeting of the council on February 21 when final decisions will be debated and decided.

Sending the details out just a few days before the meeting when guidance requires two weeks’ notice... is not acceptable