EVERYONE will have to "share the pain" as £10 million is trimmed from town hall spending.
That's the message from the ruling Labour administration on Falkirk Council as it prepares to present its most challenging budget for years.
But, despite having to slash expenditure, council leaders said they have managed to protect frontline serv
ices and jobs.
Previewing the 2010-11 £340 million budget, newly appointed council leader Councillor Craig Martin admitted it had been a difficult task balancing the books.
He said: "We're facing hard times and it's not going to get any better for a couple of years – anyone who doesn't believe that is abdicating responsibility."
The councillor added that it had been achieved without closing schools or any other facilities, as had been hinted at as a possible outcome by opponents in the run-up to the budget.
However, Mr Martin admitted some of the decisions made would not be popular.
He said: "We believe it is important that everyone has to share the pain, rather than just target specific groups."
A restructuring of the council which could include a charitable trust set up to run leisure services is one proposal being put forward to cut costs, as well as merging some departments to trim the number of top earners.
Introducing charges for SOME adult social care services is also being proposed, although the administration has vowed to consult with stakeholders before any new payment structure is introduced.
The budget will be considered at a full meeting of Falkirk Council next Wednesday.
More details in The Falkirk Herald
