Despite the challenging economic situation, the Administration of West Dunbartonshire Council has proposed a budget that not only protects the Council from further service cuts but actually pledges £3.9 million of extra investment – including a £2.5million fund for the creation of 500 new jobs.
At a Special Meeting on Thursday, 15 December Councillors were presented with a range of draft budget proposals including an aggressive regeneration strategy designed to help businesses and deliver real jobs for local people.
The centerpiece of this is an ambitious job creation programme that will see the Council give financial support to local businesses to employ 250 people for up to one year. The Council also plans to create approximately 250 jobs and training opportunities through our new modern apprenticeship scheme. The expectation is that these apprenticeships will follow through to longer term job security.
Residents will have a key role to play in the budget process and on these proposals with their voices heard at three public consultation meetings to be held in Clydebank, Alexandria and Dumbarton on the 16, 17 and 18 January. Every proposal received at the consultation meetings will be considered on its merits and the final decision on which options will be selected will be decided at a Special Budget Meeting next year.
Councillor Craig McLaughlin, Convener of Corporate Services, said: "With careful budgetary control, we have proven that planning and making the right financial decisions over a number of years can reap dividends, and I am delighted with the position we are now in. I am proud that this budget will make a huge difference to the lives of local people. In these tough financial times we need to show real leadership and work with businesses to stimulate jobs, and that is exactly what this budget enables us to do.
“In addition to the 500 new jobs, we propose to invest an extra £300,000 for road improvements, £80,000 in for raising attainment in schools and £1m for much needed flood prevention works, amongst other things.
“I am also delighted that for the fifth consecutive year we have been able to freeze Council tax, continue on our no compulsory redundancy policy and deliver innovation through job creation.
“The present economic situation has shown that it is time to bail out the people not the banks and that is exactly what this budget will do.”
Leader of the Council, Councillor Ronnie McColl, said: “I’m really looking forward to the January public consultation meetings when we’ll get the chance to ask local people whether they think we have chosen the right areas to be targeting our resources and enhancing services.
“We are now entering the worst few years of the economic crisis for local government finances. Councils across Scotland will be forced to cut vital services to plug budget gaps of millions of pounds. But we saw it coming and planned ahead and the work that Councillors and officers have put in and the decisions we have taken has put this Council in an excellent position to see us through the next few years.
“As well as presenting our budget to the public for consultation, we will also be talking to staff, Unions, and other Councillors to seek their views and a final decision on the budget won’t come until the New Year. I would urge everyone who has an idea or a comment to make to let us know what they think of our proposals. Together we can move West Dunbartonshire forward.”
Chief Executive, Joyce white said: “Our prudent financial management has given the Council the opportunity to now focus investment externally on job creation. Although there are still challenges ahead, I am confident that our focused and strong leadership team will be able to protect this council’s finances whilst also continuing to make West Dunbartonshire a better place to work, live and visit. Our employees have been very supportive and focused on delivering improved services and continue to be a great asset to this Council."
She added: “I would encourage residents to attend one of our three consultations in January and give us their views on where they see potential opportunities and savings. All views expressed will be considered in advance of the final budget setting early in the New Year.”
