Residents are being asked to give feedback on their personal spending priorities and most-valued services through an online survey as part of the budget-setting process for next March.

Councillor Margaret Brisley, convener for finance and economy, said: “Every year the council’s challenge is to set a budget which ensures services are funded and delivers what’s important to you. However, our budgets get tighter every year, while demands for services increase.

“We need to know what’s important to you. Tell us what you value, and what you think the council should prioritise. These are your services and they should be shaped by your values and priorities, so we need you to join the conversation.”

Stirling Council said it is facing an estimated funding gap of almost £29 million over the next five years.

The Budget Conversation aims to capture a high-level understanding of what residents want the council to prioritise, and what they value most. By joining the survey, residents have a chance to tell the council what matters most to them, which will help officers and councillors work to protect and enhance Stirling Council services.

Councillor Alison Laurie, vice convener, added: “We have worked together as a community in recent years to consider savings, transformation and investments, which has helped the Council continue to deliver our services and put measures in place to protect and support the most vulnerable.

“However, it’s getting more difficult to do that each year and the Covid-19 Pandemic has really placed unprecedented demands on the council’s services. Providing support for our growing elderly population, implementing changes to meet national targets for recycling, and helping our communities and businesses recover from the general devastation left by Covid-19 all comes at a cost.

“We need the help of our residents to understand what their priorities are amidst these growing challenges so we can continue to make Stirling a place where everyone can thrive, so please join the conversation and have your say.”

Access the survey at engage.stirling.gov.uk.