It does feel timely however to be talking about reform because the social and financial challenges we face require a paradigm shift in the way we deliver services, and careful consideration of what are our true priorities.
You will have seen in the news that the UK Government budget will be later this year, 26th November. The date of the Scottish budget date has not been announced but it will be pushed back as a result. We can’t push our budget back because we have a legal deadline by which we have to set the council tax charges. So we are likely to have a busy period in January and February in which we will have to finalise our budgets.
Work on budgets is already underway and I know this can lead to anxiety. I wish I could give you certainty on the way forward much earlier but sadly, that’s not possible. We will have to develop a long list of options because of the uncertainty that will continue into next year but no decisions have been taken yet.
What we will do, is our best to keep you updated as work continues and proposals are developed. You all know your services better than anyone so if you have any ideas that could save money please speak to your manager.
I’m going to be away for two weeks so, as I’ve said above, Kirsty will be doing next week’s update. Douglas Hendry the one after that.
Enjoy your weekend.
Pippa
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive
