Council proposal to cut Cis hours

Face-to-face help from West Lothian Council’s customer information service staff could be cut back to meet budget cuts.

the council’s partnership and resources policy development and scrutiny panel heard proposals for reduced opening hours at four council offices.

a report outlined plans that would see blackburn Cis move to a five-hour working day, with the public service available from 10am-3pm. armadale, broxburn and Whitburn Cis offices would also open for five hours per day.

the report said the changes had been made in response to questionnaires for regular users and study of peak demand for the services in these centres.

there are no plans to change the opening arrangements or staffing levels at council offices in

West Calder, Carmondean, Linlithgow and Fauldhouse or at bathgate partnership Centre and arrochar House.

the report said:“the revised opening hours would result in a reduction of 49 hours per week, which would result in a reduction of 1.475 Fte, generating a saving of £40,000.

“the reduction will be managed through the council’s workforce management arrangements.”

Donald stavert from bathgate Community Council said: “it’s always sad to see the number of hours being reduced. What are the options available to people in the areas affected.”

ralph bell from the service said the council’s call centre is operational 24 hours a day and a lot of the Cis services can be accessed online.

Councillor Chris Horne acknowledged this but added: “some people still like the face-to-face contact.”