Well, we’ve almost made it through January! As we come to the end of the month, it’s important to take the time and congratulate yourself on what you have achieved in what can be the bleakest month. Reflect on the small wins, the big wins and the simply doing your best. Positive change is in the air with lighter days and the first snowdrops appearing.
Podcast
February is the month we set our budget. Every council goes through the same process and it impacts us all, regardless of where we live.
Schools, potholes, bins and grass cutting are just some of the essential services affected by the annual council budget process.
Here at Argyll and Bute, we have made £54 million of savings over the past ten years.
Argyll and Bute has seen the fourth largest reduction in real terms funding allocations from the Scottish Government since 2013/14. Each year, it becomes more difficult to identify those savings.
Yesterday, we welcomed news of an additional one off £120 million Scottish Government funding for Local Government. A budget meeting on 24 February will consider use of this funding.
Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director joins me for my podcast this week as we talk about the budget process. We explain the reason behind funding decisions and explain why we are limited on certain decisions.
To accompany the podcast, you can read A Guide to understanding the Council’s Budget
You can listen to the podcast on the website.
Celebrating success
I’m proud to announce that our Empty Homes Team are finalists in the Scottish Empty Homes Awards 2022. The team works hard to bring empty homes back into use and I’m delighted they have five nominations as finalists across the categories of Outstanding Team, Best Old Wreck, and Best Before and After picture.
A huge well done to everyone involved and good luck for the awards on 15 March 2022. Read more about the awards.
I know you are all working hard to deliver services across Argyll and Bute. We’re not very good at singing our own praises as we get on with the job! It would be great to hear about successes in other services. Please get in touch via workingtogether@argyll-gov.uk so we can share your success.
Employee Benefit Scheme
If like me, you’re trying to look after yourself a bit better in 2022, you might want to take advantage of our Employee Benefit Scheme. There are a whole host of savings whether you’re looking at healthy living, exercise equipment, electric bikes or simply want to take some time out with a good book or treat yourself.
Savings include:
20% off the Fit Bit product range
10% Adidas
30% off the Reebok online store
10% National Book Tokens
5% Waterstones
9% The White Company
9% H&M
If you haven’t done so already, it’s easy to sign up and each month brings you different offers. Read more on MyCouncilWorks
Have a lovely weekend
Pippa