At a special meeting of the council last week, a revenue budget of £161.5 million which will be spent on services in 2024/25, was approved.

A 20 year capital investment programme of £255m was also agreed. It will support net zero aspirations and play an important part in supporting its local economy for the benefit of all our citizens.

This includes spending on the new Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School, learning estate developments and digital enhancements and investment to develop inclusive playparks in consultation and partnership with our local communities.

A key area of investment is £8.03m in the City Region Deal, which will deliver new jobs, skills development and training opportunities including Scotland’s International Environment Centre, Alloa Innovation Hub, Alloa Digital Hub and culture, heritage and tourism projects.

Councillors also agreed to transfer £26.6m to the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership to support the care of the 1240 older adults and people with a disability receiving adult health and social care every week in Clackmannanshire.

The council also agreed to freeze council tax rates, which will maintain a yearly cost of £1,410.96 for a Band D property in 2024/25.

Most locally set fees and charges will increase by 6.7%, in line with inflation at the relevant date.

Council leader Ellen Forson said: “Like all councils, our costs have risen significantly, with inflation making the cost of providing our services higher, along with a continuing rise in demand for services such as social care.

“In setting this year’s budget, where we can, we have tried to protect agreed priorities such as education, social work and health & social care, as well as tackling poverty, with over £100m being invested in these services. The council is also continuing to transform and modernise the way it operates by being innovative and working with our communities and partners across the public and third sectors.

“The Scottish Government has provided the council with funding of £1.3m to freeze the council tax. This is the amount we would raise by implementing a 5% increase. The freeze will benefit every household in Clackmannanshire, providing much needed financial relief and give some certainty for next year.”