Then & now

The Courier examines the changing faces of our High Streets

“The council. The organisation everyone loves to hate.”

That’s how Fife’s very own Dougray Scott put it at the start of ‘The Council’, and it’s fair to say that – judging by episode one – the BBC’s latest hit will make viewers reevaluate their opinion of their own local authority. For better or for worse. It was a brave call to let filmmaker Stephen Bennett into the workings of Scotland’s third largest local authority, and in particular interview frontline staff and clients going about their day-to-day tasks.

However, it seems to be a gamble that might pay off, as the “characters” depicted came across with a warmth that made them wholly watchable.

They were all down-to-earth ‘Fifers’, and most people reading this will surely empathise with them in some shape or form.

The documentary tackled some serious subject matters with humour, and the star of the show was undoubtedly Motorhead fan Davey, who I’m sure we all wish well with his health issues.

You couldn’t help but chuckle at his outlook on life and his cheery disposition, despite the struggles he has had to overcome. And, although I’m not condoning it, the coarse language was just par for the course.

His story alone highlighted the serious challenges people in our communities face every day, and also the challenges faced by those trying their best to help folk like him.

That was the beauty of the programme. The “characters” were all real people, ranging from the cleaners who enjoyed a fly fag after cleaning a house packed with rubbish and cat filth, right through to occupational therapist Diane, who clearly wanted the best for Davey and went above and beyond to secure him a new home.

With £32 million of savings to be made in Fife in February, such a spotlight on the council won’t make the decisions any easier. However, it just might improve people’s understanding of how a council works, and highlight the overriding need for councils across Scotland to change the way they do things.