Council launches 'Big Conversation' amid £13 million budget shortfall

Stirling Council is launching a 'Big Conversation' with residents and communities against the backdrop of an estimated budget shortfall of around £13 million next year (2024-25).

The Council must bridge this gap to balance its next budget despite making significant savings of approximately £6 million in the current financial year.

The vast majority of local government funding comes via a Scottish Government grant and this hasn't kept pace with the Council's continuing high costs and increasing pressures on services.

Through the 'Big Conversation', the views and priorities of residents will shape how the Council responds to this unprecedented financial challenge and the final decisions made in the budget-setting process.

It will involve everyone in our communities with engagement sessions arranged for young people, the elderly, community and business groups, and the general public.

This phased process will be supported by engaging content on the Council's social platforms, an online survey and further drop-in sessions on services that residents have told us matter most to them.

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 '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."

For more information, including on all the upcoming drop-in sessions, please visit stirling.gov.uk/bigconversation