Have your say on spending

Locals are being asked their opinions in a bid to help Clackmannanshire Council close a budget gap of almost £32m over the next five years.

The council is inviting people’s views on the impact of options put forward by officers as part of the authority’s budget setting process.

Clackmannanshire Council, like all councils, faces further rising costs, reducing budgets and increased demand for services, so says the way in which some services are provided will“have to change”.

The budget gap over the next five years is around £31.7m, with just over £10m required in 2023/24.

A spokesperson said: “To inform the process of budget setting by councillors, we are engaging widely on proposals which will affect the majority of residents in Clackmannanshire.the options include increases to both council tax rates and charges for council services.

“Council officers are putting forward a number of further options to make significant savings, some of which are very challenging and will represent a real change to the kind of services the council has historically delivered.”

The council conducted an online consultation on the priorities of local services during December and early January as Phase 1 of the budget engagement exercise.

Chief executive Nikki Bridle said:“the council needs to prioritise services and budgets more than ever while continuing with transformation plans. Even where we are required in law to provide services, it is likely that the level of provision will need to be reassessed or models of delivery will look different.

“We are only too aware that the cost of living crisis is placing strain on our citizens and communities, therefore, we are asking for views on proposals to help shape upcoming budget decisions which will be made by councillors within the next two months.

“I would encourage residents to fill in the online survey – their views are a very important part of the decision making process.

“Despite these challenges, through the council’s Be The Future programme, transforming our local economy and tackling poverty and inequality are driving long term sustainable change, ensuring financial sustainability.”

The consultation is available online until 11.59pm on Sunday, February 19 and can be accessed via https:// www.clacks.gov.uk/ council/budget2324/.

The results of the engagement will be presented to councillors before they make the final decisions at a budget meeting in March.