We asked for feedback on proposals to increase Council Tax and fees and charges by 5.4%.
Fees and Charges increase – approximately 53% of respondents said that a 5.4% would have no or minimal impact; 25% said it would have some impact but they would probably still use the services; and 22% said that it would have a significant impact, and may stop using the services
Council Tax increase – approximately 66% of respondents disagreed that Council Tax should rise by 5.4%, whilst 32% agreed. The reasons for disagreeing are predominantly related to wider rises in the cost of living and the negative impact this is having on families.
Council agreed to increase council tax by 3% and to increase fees and charges by 5.4%.
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown why, more than ever, council services are essential to our everyday lives.
The Council continues to be at the forefront of the local Covid-19 response from providing 24 hour social care services every day of the year, critical childcare during lockdown, to ensuring the safe reopening and operation of schools, administering business grant schemes and supporting local testing and vaccine facilities.
As we build for a new future beyond the pandemic, working with our partners and a range of national organisations, our transformation programme, Be the Future is already driving change that will transform local communities and our economy.
This work includes innovative programmes:
Transforming our local economy and tackling poverty and inequality lie at the heart of our transformation journey.
While our ambitions are firmly focused on a strong future for Clackmannanshire, local government is not immune from the realities of rapidly increasing costs and demands for services and we continue to face tough choices within tight financial constraints.
The Council, like all households, is facing increased inflationary costs for energy, goods and services; it is currently estimated that these cost pressures will amount to a budget shortfall of approximately £6 million for 2022/23 resulting in a need to generate more savings and/or income to maintain service levels.
Council Tax, for example, can be used by Councils to bridge budget shortfalls. However, as the table below illustrates, given that Council Tax represents less than 20% of Council income, we believe that substantial increases would place unwelcome and unrealistic burdens on our citizens.
We recognise that the pandemic and inflation are placing strains on our communities, therefore, officers as much as possible, are endeavouring to make savings through further internal management efficiencies and options with a view to minimising direct impacts on citizens, and in particular services for our most vulnerable.
It is unlikely to be sufficient, therefore there are some proposals that we need to seek your views on.
Please fill in our short questionnaire to let us know your views on these proposals.
The consultation feedback will be consolidated and shared with elected members ahead of the budget setting council meeting to be held before the end of the financial year.
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