“"The ongoing financial challenges faced by local government means we need to continue redesigning our services so we can do things better and more efficiently. To achieve a balanced budget, however, we must also face some difficult choices once again. This is why services across the council have produced detailed proposals to save money, raise more income and do things differently. It is important to stress that no decisions have been made. The purpose of this process is to hear from those who may be affected by the proposals before any conclusions are reached, as well as continuing to be open and transparent about the financial pressures we face. We will listen carefully to the views and suggestions in the survey. By taking part in this consultation, you will help inform the final decisions made in the budget, helping the council achieve long-term financial sustainability while continuing to meet the needs and aspirations of communities across Stirling."
Stirling Council Launches Survey on Proposals to Bridge Budget Gap
Residents are urged to participate in a consultation to help shape crucial financial decisions for the council's future.
By Morag Henderson
••3 min read
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Generic image of a Scottish government building facade with ornate stonework and a large clock, under a dramatic cloudy sky.
Stirling Council has launched a new survey as part of its 'Big Conversation' initiative, seeking public input on potential ways to raise income, make savings, and deliver services more efficiently to address a significant financial challenge.
The survey continues the council’s 'Big Conversation' about how it is navigating the ongoing and unprecedented financial challenges impacting local government in Scotland. The financial challenges facing Stirling Council are being experienced across Scotland, with the Accounts Commission reporting a combined budget shortfall of £529 million for Scottish councils in 2026/27.
For Stirling Council, the financial challenge for 2027/28 is estimated at £9.5 million, projected to rise to £28.9 million over the next three years. Councils have a legal responsibility to set a balanced budget annually, requiring them to identify solutions for any shortfall between income and expenditure.
Residents are encouraged to contribute to this process by completing the survey on the Engage Stirling website, with paper copies also available in libraries. The closing date for submissions is Sunday, 20 December 2026. This input will help inform the final budget decisions.
A programme of corporate transformation and service redesign has been developed to improve efficiency and ensure services are delivered as effectively and sustainably as possible. This includes reviewing service organisation, management, and delivery, exploring opportunities such as redeployment and natural staff turnover, streamlining processes, reducing expenditure, and identifying income generation opportunities. Through this work, £5.2 million in savings has been identified for delivery over the next three years, aiming to achieve financial sustainability and continue delivering essential services.
The findings from the 'Big Conversation' will be presented to elected members for consideration when they set the budget in late February 2027.
Based on information from the official source: Stirling Council (12/11/2026)
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