HOPES of saving Tullibody Healthy Living looks to have been dealt a fatal blow following a vote at Kilncraigs last week.

Calls for continued funding were shut down at last Thursday’s council meeting, with volunteers now fearing it will be the “end of the line” for the service.

Money for the initiative, based at Tron Court, is set to run out this October; however Councillor George Matchett submitted a motion to seek a stay of execution.

While this was not shut down directly, an amendment wiped out its original content.

Cllr Matchett, seconded by Conservative Cllr Darren Lee, sought around £31,500 to keep the organisation going for the next six months, saying he knew it was a “big ask” in the current financial climate.

He highlighted its contribution in promoting healthier and happier lifestyles in the area, saying it is “clearly seen” in the area as a “valuable community asset, much used by residents”.

However, following discussions with officers in the chamber, a view emerged that since the Integration Joint Board (IJB) has taken over health and social care provision across Clacks and Stirling, it was a remit for this new body to fund such initiatives.

An amendment was then submitted by Cllr Craig Holden, seeking to remove any reference to the council giving money to Tullibody Healthy Living (THL), instead directing the organisation to the IJB.

Cllr Matchett highlighted THL has been seeking numerous new avenues of funding since the budget decision in March, this included informal discussions with a council officer and Clackmannanshire Healthier Lives, THL saying the officer approached the IJB with no luck.

Nevertheless, the amendment was voted through with the administration and the Conservatives joining hands, except Cllr Darren Lee, who went against his party to support the initative.

Cllr Lee later told the Advertiser: 

“This motion was presented to give THL more time.

"It was simply not given enough of it, since the budget meeting in March, to set up as an independent body out-with the CHL (Clackmannanshire Healthier Lives) umbrella.

"The extra six months would have given the a chance to  gain essential grant funding, in order to carry on the good work the organisation does for Tullibody.

"I fear the impact losing this resource will have on residents and reliant groups, as well as the long term impact on the councils finances.

"People will now undoubtedly approach them for help and services in the absence of THLI!”

Cllr Matchett declared a conflict of interest alongside other ward representatives Cllrs Darren Lee, Tina Murphy and Les Sharp ahead of the discussion as all elected members in Clackmannanshire West are board members.

The latter two, members of the SNP administration, indicated they would therefore not vote on the issue and were absent from the chamber.

Cllr Donald Balsillie said it was up to their “conscience and ethics” whether they felt it appropriate to have their say on the issue.

Janette McGowan, board member and volunteer at THL, was “saddened” by the outcome, saying: “It looks like the end of the line for THL.”

She added: “I am also disgusted that two of our board members who are elected members and part of the SNP administration declined to attend the meeting and represent our charity.

“I fail to see the point of them being on the THL board at all.”

She branded the amendment, which did “acknowledge” THL’s difficult position, “too little, too late”.

During the debate, council leader Cllr Ellen Forson suggested she and Labour leader Dave Clark, who both sit on the IJB, could table a motion to secure the funding there.

Janette later argued that, as the IJB has 11 voting members, and only two from Clacks, the “cards are stacked against any approval”, especially with the new body reportedly struggling with cash.

Shiona Strachan, chief officer at the Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health & Social Care Partnership, said: “The Integration Joint Board have not been formally approached by Tullibody Healthy Living Initiative, but I am aware of what was agreed at the Council meeting on 23rd August.

"The issue can be brought forward to the Integration Joint Board at the request of members of the Board, with the consent of the Chair. No funding has been made available for the IJB to continue this service.”