Falkirk Council to focus on helping those in deepening poverty

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Tackling deepening poverty and increased inequality will be a major priority for Falkirk Council as it faces a financial crisis of its own, its chief executive has said.

As chief executive Kenneth Lawrie launched Falkirk Council's five-year plan, he set out a vision for the council that he said would address "the challenging landscape it finds itself in".

As the district emerges from Covid, the new economic challenges are becoming clearer to everyone. Read more: Anger at Falkirk Council decision to close town hall before replacement is ready Mr Lawrie told members last week that tough decisions lay ahead but he also hoped that modernising council services would help it become more responsive and innovative.The financial situation facing the council - with a £69 million budget gap over the next four years - was described by Mr Lawrie last week as "unprecedented".Presenting the new plan to councillors he told them that collaboration was the key to success and the council would look to work with partners wherever possible, with third sector organisations playing a big role."The plan recognises that we cannot achieve these things on our own own - we must work with partners; public, private, voluntary sector and, of course, our communities," he said.The plan sets out steps it will take to achieve its aims as well as ways to measure whether it is working or not.In its first aim - to create stronger and healthier communities - includes pledges such as supporting community projects and working with partner agencies to improve local areas and amenities.They will also encourage local groups to take over the running of community halls and the like via community transfers.The plan's second aim is "promoting opportunities and