Facing up to the future - What You Told Us
Local government is facing reductions in funding and Falkirk Council is actively exploring ways to cut costs.
The scale of the financial challenges the Council is facing in the coming year mean difficult decisions will be made so it is important that the local community had the chance to put forward their views before any final decisions are made.
The Council's consultation on possible budget proposals was carried out late last year. Over 1,300 responses were received from local residents, along with over 7,000 comments.
Full results can be accessed here|.
Areas where respondents showed a strong preference included the following:
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96% agreed the Council should make better use of its buildings, e.g reviewing opening hours, sharing properties.
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82% agreed a charge should be made for garden aid for those who can afford to pay.
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75% agreed floral displays and bedding plants should be replaced less often.
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74% agreed that local schools that are under 50% capacity should be merged with other schools.
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71% agreed that the Council should try to minimise any reductions in the number of people it employs.
There were also a number of areas where respondents disagreed with suggested changes:
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55% disagreed that local schools under 50% capacity should share headteachers and be kept open.
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53% disagreed that free swimming lessons for P5s should be discontinued.
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51% disagreed that parking charges should be increased.