Published: Wednesday, 28th July, 2010 11:35am

Council accused of 'hiding' its mismanagement

by Hamish Hutchinson

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The Labour-led administration has been accused of using the summer holidays to hide its mismanagement of council finances.

The SNP group launched the scathing attack following last week's announcement of a public consultation into cuts in Clackmannanshire Council's budget over the next three years.

Officers say the council needs to save at least £13 million between 2011 and 2014 because of an expected 12-20 per cent curb in public spending by the Scottish Government, following its decision to defer £332 million worth of Wesminster cuts until next April.

SNP group leader, Councillor Gary Womersley, said, "I'm somewhat disappointed that whilst we have all been aware that these cuts are coming for sometime now, that the Labour administration chose to go public over a holiday period.

"No doubt they were keen to wait until their slash 'n' burn approach to last year's budget could be reported on before going public on even further challenges."

He accused the council of already making a tranche of "fairly knee-jerk cuts" to balance the books such as reducing school crossing personnel, kinship carer payments and closing the public loos in Alloa.

Mr Womersley went on, "If this council cannot manage when its budget has been increasing in real terms year-on-year, I can imagine that the public will quite rightly be anxious over its ability to manage when times are tougher.

"The SNP Group have long argued for a going back to basics approach, with zero-based budgeting but in order to do this the council needs to have a clear direction as to where it is going.

"The sad fact is that the complete policy vacuum from Labour shows that the administration has lost its way and it's the public who will no doubt suffer yet again."

Leaflets will be available in council buildings and online detailing possible efficiency savings and calling on suggestions.

The issue is expected to be raised at public events and drop-in stations across the county. Trade unions will also be consulted.

SNP deputy leader Mark English said, "I believe there are a number of ways that the public can help suggest efficiency savings as opposed to cuts in services.

"For example I am aware that many large private industries have made substantial savings through tighter control over their utility costs. For an organisation as large as the council these annual savings can be huge with the added benefit of helping the environment.

"Perhaps local people, in industry or business, could share their experiences and best practice with the council. What has worked for you may well work for the council."

"What's important for the council in the meantime is that they retain a clear objective of what is of greatest importance and what are the core services that we must protect."