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Fife Council to give residents a 'say' how budget is spent
KIRKCALDY residents will get the chance to give their views on how Fife Council spends next year's budget money.
The local authority is holding 11 events across the Kingdom and inviting members of the public along to speak out about where they want cash to be spent – and where they believe money could be saved.
Leader of the administration, Peter Grant, admitted tough decisions will need to be made on how money is spent in 2010.
He added that if the Council does nothing, it could be as much as 23.5m short next year.
Cllr Grant said: "It is important to consult with the people about what we are planning to do in the next few years. We want to know their views and keep people informed throughout this time."
During the meetings, officers will set out a number of ways in which cash can be saved.
These include:
reducing the number of Council buildings
finding other ways to deliver services
reducing the scale of services
simplifying how the Council works
Officers are also looking at increasing income from service charges and targeting services to those most in need.
Deputy leader Elizabeth Riches added: "We want the public have some understanding of our difficulties – we have to be up-front with people.
"If they know where we are coming from and we come up with different options, they will understand why decisions are being made.
"Some of the measures we are thinking about will be taken on in this budget, some in the coming years."
However, Alex Rowley, leader of the Labour Group, accused administration leaders of "misleading the public".
He said: "If SNP and Liberal councillors are serious about seeking the views of they should commit to taking their actual budget proposals out to the public prior to taking their proposals to Fife Council and invite the views of the public on their actual proposals.
"Anything less would demonstrate that this current exercise is a big con."
For those unable to attend a meeting there is a survey online at fifedirect.org.uk/councilbudget.
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
