Here’s what Falkirk folk think should be the district’s priorities

Nearly 1600 residents from all local communities shared their views recently about what the key priorities should be for the Falkirk area post Covid-19.
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The council says that the results show people want the council to simplify its priorities, cut bureaucracy and involve communities in decision making.

And nearly 95 per cent of those asked said it was important that the council should as help people to live their best lives – from supporting the most vulnerable to creating safe education and living environments.

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Nearly 92 per cent of those asked said that they wanted communities involved in making council decision, while 86.1 per  cent thought communities should influence how money is spent.

People want more of a say in their communitiesPeople want more of a say in their communities
People want more of a say in their communities

Housing and building repairs were important to 85.4 per cent of those who answered, while 78.5 per cent supported energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives.

Another priority is to help businesses get back on track, create jobs and investment opportunities.

This includes maintaining a good road network, offering support and training for job seekers and running sustainable public and active transport initiatives, all of which had high levels of support.

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People also said that they want Falkirk Council to be more innovative and less bureaucratic in how it operates.

Residents have agreed they want to ensure council services can be accessed online – although they also say that resources must remain for those who don’t have internet access.

More than 70 per cent agreed that schools should be used as community hubs and that the council should reduce the number of buildings it has, while 77 per cent would like to see services that support communities to do more for themselves.

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “The survey has highlighted many areas where communities have said what is really important to them. This will help us plan ahead in a post Covid-19 world where things will be quite different.

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“We’re grateful to everyone who took part in the survey and now we must adjust our forthcoming plans accordingly to make sure they match these expectations.”

The full results of the survey are available at https://falkirk.gov.uk/services/council-democracy/consultations-surveys/covid-recovery.aspx.