The OIC is launching a blog today to enable a dialogue between the council and the public over the potential cuts that might arise as a result of an overall reduction in public spending. The background to this and the nature of the cuts that might result are alluded to in a message from OIC convener Stephen Hagan that went to all OIC staff and the press on Friday, which is reproduced below.
The Blog will pose six questions relating to prioritising services, and asking how they could be delivered at a lower cost without losing them entirely. Radical measures are implied, such as reducing roads maintenance, closing schools, and cuts to ferry services.
However nothing will be decided until the New Year, at which point the actual scale of cuts necessary should be known, as well as to whether some of this can be offset by potentially increasing council tax.
It's fairly clear that there are no easy answers that can solve all the problems to come at a stroke. The local media have posed the question as to how savings can be made already, and the responses, though sensible, delivered potential savings of thousands, when the scale of the problem is millions.
Stephen Hagan's letter to staff:
"Orkney Islands Council is launching its first blog – giving staff and the public the chance to have their say on ways to achieve major savings over the next three years.
As it prepares for a big cut in funding from Government, the Council is asking people to join the Tough Times - Tough Choices debate.
The blog, available from this today on the OIC website, marks the start of a wide ranging engagement process over potential budget cuts. Responses will be published on the website.
This is the first time we have used the web to engage with our staff and the public in this way. I am sure we will attract a large number of constructive suggestions as to how we can achieve the savings required over the coming years.
A link to the Tough Times blog can be found by visiting the OIC website or portal – with comments invited in response to six questions:
- We are facing tough times. What do you regard as our priority services?
- The condition of our roads is amongst the best in Scotland. What would you think if we spent less on roads maintenance to protect other important services?
- We’re proud of our schools service. In tough times, should we consider merging some of our smaller schools – so we can save money while still providing our children with an excellent education? Can you think of other ways we could make savings from our education budget?
- Our internal air and ferry services are a lifeline for our isles communities. How can we make substantial savings while still providing a regular service for the isles?
- We have an ageing population. More and more older people are going to need our care and support in the years ahead. How could we make substantial savings in this area, and other areas of care involving other service users, while still maintaining a high standard of care? (Orkney Islands Council and NHS Orkney provide the money for Orkney Health and Care to deliver joint services such as these).
- Has the Council thought about …? We welcome your good ideas. Please get in touch with cost saving suggestions for OIC.
We may be faced with a total budget cut of between £9 million and £18million between 2011 and 2014. It’s a huge reduction and it will have a big impact on jobs and the many services we provide.
The questions we’re asking on the blog offer an indication of the serious situation we face. It’s important there’s an easy way for staff to pass on their thoughts and suggestions – that’s why there’ll be a special new e-mail address specifically for our staff.
We want to hear your views and ideas – your feedback will shape our thinking when we, as Councillors, sit down early next year to make difficult decisions about the cuts that are needed. We hope as many people as possible join this important debate.
Staff and the public can also write to Tough Times, Orkney Islands Council, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1NY."
