At a meeting of the Full Council today (Thursday 12th March) Councillors committed to investing millions in initiatives to support communities, grow the local economy and enhance infrastructure including roads.
Within the capital programme, there will be spending on a wide-range of projects that support the local authority’s six key priorities.
Among these commitments are:
* £6.17m for road and infrastructure improvements.
* £1.54m for community facilities.
* £3.8m for enhancing schools and other education settings.
* £2.56m for projects involving the City Region Deal.
* £1.49m for various social care initiatives.
Local priorities
Some of the projects prioritised for the next 12 months are the refurbishment of the former Royal Bank of Scotland building in Bannockburn to create a business and community hub, along with improvements to Bannockburn Library and the football pitches at Laighills, Dunblane.
Within the revenue budget, school breakfast clubs and holiday meal provision, together with universal credit mitigation, will also continue to receive funding.
These investments will be backed by a Council Tax increase of 4.84%, which will help the local authority deliver essential everyday services and achieve a better, fairer Stirling for all of its residents.
Over the next five years, a gap of £29.44 million is anticipated between what the Council receives in funding and revenue and the cost of delivering its services and this will be addressed through future budget setting.
Protecting vital services
Convener of Stirling Council’s Finance and Economy Committee, Cllr Margaret Brisley, said: “This budget protects vital services, supports our residents and also brings forward the investment Stirling needs to realise our ambitions and ensure our region continues to grow and prosper.
“We are dedicated to improving Stirling’s urban and rural infrastructure and our commitment to increase funding for a diverse range of capital projects over the coming year will mean that a variety of areas will benefit.
“These are challenging times and we need to be innovative to ensure we continue to deliver for our communities. To decide on this budget, we’ve been working across the Council to capture every possible saving and look at how we can do things differently, so that we can meet the financial challenge we face while still providing the best possible services to our communities and people."
She added: "It has been challenging, and I'm sorry about some of the savings we've had to make, but I commend the budget and feel we have come to a situation where I am confident this is the best we can do in the circumstances."
Engagement informed decisions
Vice Convener, Alison Laurie, said: “Our thanks go to our citizens and staff who have helped inform this process. Our focus throughout has been to identify options and efficiencies that will bridge the budget gap, while protecting and enhancing our services, and making sure that our staff have the capacity and support they need to do their best work.
“As a local authority, it is particularly important that we work to create growth and boost Stirling’s economy, helping to bring in jobs and opportunities, deliver better services, and improve the lives of all our citizens.
“The robust and effective growth and investment programmes we’ve approved today will provide support for our most vulnerable communities while also offer the investment needed to ensure Stirling continues to grow.”
A full list of all budget-saving options proposals accepted today are available for download via the link below:
Accepted budget-saving options 2020/21 (PDF)