School share plan for headteachers
Council staff could have to pay for parking at work
Shared head teachers and charging council staff for parking at work are among measures being considered to balance Stirling Council’s books.
With little left to trim following years of budget cuts, Council leader Scott Farmer says the authority is also having to “think outside the box” and look at ways of generating income.
The council, now led by an SNP/Labour joint administration, launched its public consultation on a range of savings and income generating options yesterday (Thursday) aimed at closing a budget gap for around £1.5 million over the forthcoming financial year 2018/19.
The council needs to save a projected £24 million over the next five years, with £4.7 million of savings having been identified so far.
While compulsory redundancies are being ruled out, 70 per cent of the council’s budget is taken up by staffing costs and voluntary severance and redeployment could still be on the cards.
The budget options also assume a three per cent council tax increase which, if ruled out or reduced would mean other options for savings or income would have to emerge to fill the void.
Stirling, which embarked on a phased programme of budget savings several years ago, is in an enviable financial position compared to many local authorities who are facing massive cuts to balance their budgets having failed to make the same headway.
However, council leader Scott Farmer says even Stirling has precious little left to cut these days, and it is important the council adapts to think differently, not only to make efficiencies but also to generate income.
“Through good financial stewardship of the previous and current administrations we are in a position which, although challenging, is far better than many of our colleagues in local government,” he said.
“But we now have to think outside the box in terms of how we can, as an organisation, generate more income. We will continue to look at options and push the envelope in terms of savings targets.”
Councillor Farmer added that the impact of any Brexit deal on the economy and any political uncertainty at Westminster could also impact on local government in the coming years.
Council chief executive Stewart Carruth said that while the council could be reasonably certain of how it would have to balance its books over the next year, future years at this stage were less certain and assumptions made on any shortfall beyond the next 12 months were subject to change.
Councillor Farmer insisted the options were all still subject to consultation and not a foregone conclusion.
“By the very nature of this process there will be challenging options in there but we want the community’s viewpoint on this,” he added. “This consultation gives our communities the opportunity to consider the options to save money or generate new income. They will then be able to give their views on the priority services they want to protect moving forward.
“Our administration can then take that feedback into account when we make our decisions on the most appropriate budget to set.”
The consultation will close on Monday, February 5 when feedback will be collated, analysed and presented to councillors ahead of the council’s forthcoming budget setting meeting.
Community meetings will be held at the following venues next week: Balfron Primary School, 7-8.30pm, on Monday (January 22); Killin Primary School, 7-8.30pm, Tuesday (January 23); Raploch Community Campus, 6.30-8.30pm, Wednesday; Bannockburn High School, 6.308pm, Wednesday; and Callander Youth Project, 6.30-8.30pm, Thursday. To attend register in advance at the dedicated Eventbrite page https:// stirlingcouncilpbb2018-19. eventbrite.com.
By the very nature of this process there will be challenging options in there