As many as 350 jobs could be axed over the next three years due to financial issues at Clackmannanshire Council.

The problem was discussed at a full council meeting today when elected members debated a report called 'Making Our Organisation Stronger', which highlighted that the local authority will have to reduce expenditure by up to £23 million by March 2020.

Employees' wages account for around two thirds of the annual council expenditure and there has already been a “managed contraction” in staffing.

According to its current policy, the council is committed to maintaining the security of employment and the avoidance of compulsory redundancies.

Janet Cadenhead, Scottish Labour councillor, told the chamber the council has a non-compulsory redundancy policy, but she highlighted that there is “no incentive” for staff to take a voluntary severance.

She said: “What if people don't want to go?

“We need a skimmed down work force, what is in it for any of our staff to say: 'That's all right mate, we will go.'?”

SNP councillor Craig Holden agreed that there are “issues to be resolved”, but warned: “Let's not make mistakes by trying to do something too quickly.”

Other issues at the meeting included a heavily-debated paper on how council employee appeals are heard, the controversy surrounding Stirling Council's informal pull-out from Shared Education and Social Services, the Budget Strategy, closure of the council's Bank Street office and more.

To read more, including on this story, look for a special report in next Wednesday's Advertiser.