At a special meeting of the council last week, a revenue budget of £170.98 million was approved which will be spent on services in 2025/26.

A 20-year capital investment programme of £248m was also agreed.

This programme will support local development, including the completion of the new Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School, and will also see investment in roads, active travel routes, and the advancement of the region’s net zero ambitions.

Councillors also agreed to transfer £30.047m to the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership to support the care of older adults and people with a disability receiving adult health and social care every week in Clackmannanshire. 

It was also agreed to increase the council tax by 13%, resulting in a Band D Council tax of £1,594.38 for 2025/26.

An increase of 3% has been applied across all discretionary fees and charges, in line with the rate of inflation at the relevant date.

The budget for the year ahead strikes the balance between ensuring the maximum impact for the important services we provide for our residents, while also ensuring financial sustainability for the council in the years ahead.

The council said it is operating in a challenging context. As Scotland’s smallest mainland authority by population, it also has a significant number of residents with serious and complex needs. This means a large and increasing demand for services such as social care and education.

A council spokesperson said: “Since 2010, we have made £70.5m of savings, but despite that, this year we faced one of our most challenging budget setting processes yet.

“We have developed a significant range of partnership arrangements to deliver services, and introduced significant innovation and transformation, with an impressive amount of external resources being leveraged. 

“However, significant challenges remain, and the focus continues on identifying and implementing permanent reductions in expenditure, increasing income and minimising cash savings.

“At the same time, it is vital that council continues to invest in activities that contribute to delivering service and financial sustainability in the medium to long term.”