Council accused of 'hiding' its mismanagement

Hamish Hutchinson • Published 28 Jul 2010 11:35 4 Comments

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."

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This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 28 Jul 10

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  Bill
  Unregistered User
  Jul 29, 18:24
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  Wait a minute Boab! let me get this right. A Chief honcho and 3 o her cronies whose salaries add up tae aroond £350,000 thoosant are askin ME whit they should dae? C'moan ... get aff!!!!
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Overthere
  Unregistered User
  Jul 29, 22:57
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  Well you don't want an SNP council, just look how SNP has destroyed fife
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Kevin
  Unregistered User
  Jul 31, 14:06
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  id rather have SNP than Labour, Labour have ruined the UK as a whole. it doesnt matter who gets in we will all get screwed regardless, there is no difference between parties, its big business that runs the show ppl
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  I Rate
  Unregistered User
  Aug 18, 19:50
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  Janet not before time only I think you should be cutting your ties completely with the council as you have made such a mess. You will still be a councilor though, still getting paid way over the odds for what you do. So do spare a thought for all the employees of the council that had there wages cut!! because of you. I do hope you can sleep at night.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  ******
  Sep 13, 07:22
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  This comment has been removed by a moderator

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