Earlier this week I submitted my budget proposals to the
council’s chief executive, which I intend to move at next week’s meeting of the
Policy and Resources Committee. It includes the £44,000 required to retain the
existing staffing structure at the Young Mothers' Unit which the SNP administration
are proposing to reduce by removing a senior teaching post, and £54,000 for the
retention of The Duncan Project, a community safety initiative in the city centre
which works with Police Scotland to ensure good information flow on retail
crime between the police and city centre traders, which the SNP administration had
intended to end. I think that both of these initiatives provide a valuable service
and should be supported.
The Young Mothers’ Unit at Menzieshill High School caters
for the extra needs of pregnant schoolgirls and young mothers with their babies
from across the city. The unit is staffed by a principal teacher, supported by
a designated support worker and two qualified early years practitioners. The unit
gives young mothers the opportunity to continue with their education and help
provide a positive future for both themselves and their babies. In its
last inspection report the Care Inspectorate awarded a 5 for all the areas inspected which means in
the 1-6 grading system it is considered to be 'very good', and a 6 was awarded for
its staff, which is considered to be 'excellent'.
The alternative savings I have identified will not have a
negative impact on the delivery of frontline services and they have been
accepted as competent by the chief executive.
I understand the SNP administration has adjusted its proposal
which will allow for the continuation of the Duncan Project.
My alternative savings from the council budget are detailed below:
Delete from
administration’s savings
|
£000
|
Cessation of Duncan Project
|
54.00
|
Restructure of Young Mum’s Unit
|
44.00
|
Total
|
98.00
|
Replace with
|
|
Reduced provision for the Carbon Reduction Commitment Tax
(as per the email dated 30.1 from the Director of
Corporate Services)
|
54.00
|
Various departments –delete budget for hospitality
|
33.00
|
Delete budget for councillors attendance at conferences
|
1.00
|
Delete budget for alcohol purchases
|
5.00
|
Delete food/refreshments councillors lounges
|
4.20
|
Communities- other outlays p66
|
|
Total
|
98.00
|
