During August - November 2011, the Council undertook a
substantial programme of consultation with local stakeholders to
consider options for future public service delivery in East
Dunbartonshire. The main objective was to identify ways in
which the Council and community planning partners could work better
together to deliver outcomes for our people and communities and
achieve savings through more effective sharing of services.
The Programme involved widespread consultation with local people
and communities throughout East Dunbartonshire supported by
engagement with young people and employees. In an extremely
challenging financial environment, it is crucial that future public
service delivery meets the needs and priorities of local people and
contribute to the development of a sustainable East
Dunbartonshire.
The Public Consultation took the form of a series of Stakeholder
Working Groups comprising representatives from a wide range of
community based and voluntary sector organisations and local
interest groups which met during September across East
Dunbartonshire. Over two hundred local representatives
participated in the consultation which considered options for
service delivery and the potential impact on service users.
The sessions were independently facilitated.
The findings from the Working Groups were tested through a
Budget Consultation Survey which was distributed to ten thousand
households across East Dunbartonshire. The Survey was also
accessible via the Council's website with hard copies available at
local leisure centres and main libraries.
Employee Engagement Workshops took place during November which
enabled service teams in the Council to provide input to the
budgetary consultation process. The Workshops were supported
by the undertaking of an Employee Survey.
Whilst some young people participated in the Stakeholder Working
Groups, a more comprehensive review of their priorities was
undertaken in October and November through a Young People's Survey
which was made available through School websites.
The findings of the consultation programme have been reported to
Elected Members and are currently informing the development of the
Council's budgetary process. An overview report of the
findings is attached below.