Grapevine grapevine #49-final | Page 2

Chief Executive Perspective Taking Clackmannanshire Forward Communities Individuals Partners Working Together & Taking Clackmannanshire Forward Business Volunteers The Council is a multi-million pound business whichdelivers a wide range of services for communities across Clackmannanshire. The Council wants Clackmannanshire to be a great place to live, work and visit; a place where:   children and young people have the best possible start in life   the most vulnerable people are supported   communities are resilient and empowered   the environment is healthy and attractive. The contexts which the Council operates in are everchanging but characterised by greater demands for services and increasing budget gaps. As contexts change, the Council has to change with them to make sure that it is providing the best services it can within available resources. Reductions in public sector funding have been a key issue facing all local councils for a number of years and will continue to impact on what councils do and how they do it going forward. Since 2011-12, Clackmannanshire Council has had to make savings of £52 million to its base budget and it is projected that a further £28 million will need to be found over the next 3 financial years. The combination of increased demand for services and reductions in public spending means that the Council can’t carry on doing everything it currently does in the same way it currently does. 2 Grapevine Council To get maximum benefit from available resources and to have a sustainable cost base, the Council’s approach to Taking Clackmannanshire Forward is to:   focus on clear priorities and target resources to greatest effect   transform services, to improve their responsiveness and accessibility   be as efficient and effective as possible in everything that we do. Clear Priorities   Target resources on defined statutory requirements and priority discretionary services   Focus on prevention and early intervention   Have defined service standards which are well communicated Transforming Services   Focus on integration and take a corporate and partnership approach to all customers   Introduce different models of delivery   Support communities which want to provide services or take over assets   Use digital solutions Effectiveness & Efficiency   Get things right the first time and do things once   Have high standards of customer service   Make sure we get value for money for the goods and services we buy and the assets we have While there are significant financial challenges, there are also opportunities to protect and improve service if the Council and its partners work in a more integrated way and pool their resources better. New opportunities also exist for voluntary and community groups to take over Council assets and to have an active role in planning and delivering services. There is a lot to be proud of in Clackmannanshire and lots of ambition. Taking Clackmannanshire Forward is what we want to do in partnership with all those who have a commitment to making the area a great place to live, work and visit. Elaine McPherson September 2017