Council asks public to help make savings
Opinions sought on how to fill £29m funding gap
Stirling Council has been asking for the public’s help as they strive to find £29million worth of savings.
The authority’s 2022-23 Budget Conversation survey was launched recently.
Hundreds of responses, from Aberfoyle to Torbrex, have been submitted in the first two weeks of this year’s engagement process as the council seeks to understand the values and priorities of the public ahead of next year’s budget-setting process for March 2022.
Anyone living, working or studying in Stirling is invited to express their opinions online via a survey hosted on the Engage Stirling platform. Those with limited digital access can participate through their local library or order a paper copy of the survey by calling 01786 404040.
We need the help of our residents to understand what their priorities are amidst these growing challenges Cllr Margaret Brisley
The Budget Conversation survey asks the public to highlight what council services they value the most and what services they feel should be prioritised as the authority faces a funding gap of £29million over the next five years.
Finance and economy convenor Councillor Margaret Brisley said: “The wide spread of responses reflects the importance of this subject and it’s pleasing to see residents are able to have their say on how Stirling Council’s budget should be shaped. We also want the public to reflect on what services they value and, while there are some challenging questions in the conversation, it’s all designed to help us set next year’s budget in line with their broad values and priorities.”
By joining the survey, residents have a chance to tell the council what matters most to them, which will help officers and councillors work to protect and enhance Stirling Council services.
Vice convener Councillor Alison Laurie said: “We have worked together as a community in recent years to consider savings, transformation and investments, which has helped the council continue to deliver our services and put measures in place to protect and support the most vulnerable. However, it’s getting more difficult to do that each year and the Covid-19 Pandemic has really placed unprecedented demands on the council’s services.
“Providing support for our growing elderly population, implementing changes to meet national targets for recycling, and helping our communities and businesses recover from the general devastation left by Covid-19 all comes at a cost. We need the help of our residents to understand what their priorities are amidst these growing challenges so we can continue to make Stirling a place where everyone can thrive, so please join the conversation and have your say.”