A PETITION calling for an independent review of Clackmannanshire Council has reached over 500 signatures.
The appeal calls on the Scottish Government and FM John Swinney to consider a review of the local authority's "governance, financial management, transparency, public engagement and value for money".
With 528 supporters at the time of writing, it states: "This petition is not about attacking individuals, political parties, council employees or elected members.
"It is about ensuring residents have confidence in their local authority and that decisions involving public money are transparent, properly scrutinised and clearly explained.
"In recent years, many residents have expressed concerns about council tax increases, rising household costs, pressures on local services, financial priorities, senior remuneration, elected member allowances, external spending and the relationship between the council and the communities it represents."
They also raise concerns about council management salaries, including the Chief Executive's £32,000 pay rise and a 40 per cent rise in Senior Councillors' salaries last year.
The petition continued: "Residents are entitled to ask questions about how these increases are perceived locally and whether sufficient consideration has been given to public confidence and the financial pressures facing households."
It said that residents, some of whom face higher levels of poverty than in other parts of Scotland, were questioning the "value for money" of the council and whether there is enough transparency around "significant expenditure".
The text also cites an Audit Scotland report in July which concluded that the SNP minority administration had been making major decisions "without fully understanding its financial position".
This was because, for the last five years, unaudited accounts had not been presented on time, meaning choices like budgets and council tax levels were agreed without up-to-date financial information.
Jo Armstrong, Chair of the Accounts Commission, had said Clack's council position was a "significant risk and concern".
Concluding, the petition appealed: "Community campaigns and petitions have been created because residents believe their concerns deserve to be acknowledged and properly considered.
"A council’s responsibility is not only to follow the correct processes when making decisions, but also to maintain trust by explaining those decisions clearly and demonstrating an understanding of the financial pressures facing the people it serves.
"An independent review would provide reassurance, improve transparency and help rebuild confidence between Clackmannanshire Council and the communities it serves."
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