Stirling Council facing £13 million budget gap

The leader of Stirling Council says the local authority is facing "severe" financial pressure.

They're asking residents for their thoughts, as they look to plug a £13 million budget gap.

A series of consultation events begins at the end of the month, in venues across the area.

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “Stirling Council, like all other Scottish local authorities, is under severe financial pressure despite making savings year on year. We need to talk about how we’re going to bridge the budget gap of around £13 million to continue to deliver services. 

“Our [stirling.gov.uk/bigconversation]‘Big Conversation’ with residents starts now and everyone has the opportunity to join in and have their say. 

“Whether it’s about the services that you value most, such as education, waste, roads, libraries or housing; ideas of transforming how we work; where investment should be prioritised or suggestions to generate income – we need to hear from you.”

Cllr Kane continued: “The harsh reality is we don’t have enough money to provide services in the way we are all used to seeing. Everything you tell us will help inform our decisions, so I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”

The first round of public drop-in sessions are listed below:

Tuesday 29 August: Drymen Library (4-6pm)
Thursday 31 August: Bridge of Allan Library (4-6pm)
Friday 1 September: Raploch Campus (10-12 noon)
Monday 4 September: Dunblane Library (3-5pm)
Tuesday 5 September: Balfron Library (11am–1pm)
Wednesday 6 September: Cambusbarron Library (3-5pm)
Thursday 7 September: Bannockburn Library (10-12 noon)
Friday 8 September: Cowie Library (10-12 noon)
Monday 11 September: Plean Library (3-5pm)
Tuesday 12 September: Fallin Library (11am-1pm)
Wednesday 13 September: Doune Library (2-4pm)
Thursday 14 September: Callander Library (4-6pm)
Friday 15 September: Killin Library (11am-1pm)