Dear Editor I write to correct some misinformation published in the Advertiser on 2 July 2014 in respect of proposals that Clackmannanshire and Stirling councils have to enhance their existing shared services arrangements for education and social services.

Contrary to your article which stated that the councils currently just share heads of service, in actual fact, the councils share entire management teams, as well as some central services in education and some specialist services in social services. Far from being “inefficient, ineffective and unfair”, this has increased capacity in both areas, prevented spend and broadened the services available to people across Clackmannanshire and Stirling.

The recommendations in my report to Council last week were that the direction of travel already committed to be developed further subject to a full business case being carried out to assess the benefits and costs of the proposals. These recommendations were agreed unanimously by Clackmannanshire Council and also by Stirling Council at a meeting it, too, held last week.

Contrary to your article, which suggested the recommendations would see education functions “controlled” by Stirling Council and Clackmannanshire Council “taking over” Stirling’s social services, my report to council makes clear that each council would retain governance over and accountability for the services delivered in their respective areas. What would be integrated, subject to both councils agreeing a business case setting out an acceptable model, would be the service delivery and management.

Consultation with the trade unions on the development of shared services has been ongoing since 2010 and consultation on the specific issues referred to in my report began in March, with a meeting of Clackmannanshire trade union representatives and elected members taking place on the matter as recently as 13 June. Comprehensive stock-taking sessions with trade unions and staff had also taken place earlier in the year. As they have been throughout the entire shared services journey, therefore, trade unions and staff will be consulted on the full business case and any proposals arising from that.

Yours faithfully Elaine McPherson Chief Executive Clackmannanshire Council