At a meeting of Perth & Kinross Council, Councillors heard that that as costs rise and demands for complex services increase the council is facing a significant challenge to deliver a balanced budget. The new Financial Strategy sets out the need to address this challenge and create financial sustainability to allow the Council to properly plan for the future.

A key part of delivering on this is a new five-year programme of transformation and change underpinned by the Transformation & Change Strategy also approved at today’s meeting.

The strategy sets out a plan for re-shaping the council as an organisation and the way teams work with communities, partners and across the area to deliver the services residents need and within the available budget and resources.

Councillor Grant Laing, leader of Perth & Kinross Council, said: “The financial challenges and drivers for change that we face are not unique to Perth and Kinross. But, they do present a compelling case for why the need for the Council to evolve and change is more pressing than ever.

“During the pandemic council staff demonstrated again and again that they play a vital role in our communities, and how much could be achieved by working within and with local residents and partners. The Perth and Kinross Offer sets out our commitment to making that approach part of the everyday reality.

“The two reports agreed at council today begin the process of detailing how over the next five years, staff will deliver an ambitious programme of transformation and change across the organisation. These changes will impact on our communities, our teams and how they deliver as we seek to respond to changing demands and resourcing levels. Transforming our services is best informed by those who receive and deliver these and I would encourage our teams and communities to assist us in shaping how we design and work to deliver services in the future.

“With our continued focus on public service, a focus on those in greatest need and the support of our teams, partners and communities we will continue to ensure that the people of Perth and Kinross are at the heart of all that we do and we evolve to face the challenges ahead.”