Clackmannanshire Council

A significant proportion of respondents expressed the view that the Council should first pursue internal efficiencies before implementing reductions to public services. Common mitigation themes included reducing senior management expenditure, strengthening debt recovery processes, reducing reliance on external consultancy support, exploring service-sharing arrangements with neighbouring councils, and maximising the use of existing assets such as Kilncraigs.

A dominant theme throughout the engagement was the strong support for protecting services for children and vulnerable groups, alongside a broader expectation that the Council should continue to promote the health and wellbeing of local communities.

Across all themes, respondents emphasised the continued effect of cost of living pressures, particularly for vulnerable residents and those on lower incomes, and the need to prioritise the protection of frontline services.

Feedback also highlighted concerns regarding potential widening of inequalities, possible negative impacts on educational attainment, and longer term implications for demand on Council services.