Cash-strapped council's money-saving efforts

Published 31 Dec 2009 14:00

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COST-cutting methods have been approved by Argyll and Bute Council after a big shortfall of cash was revealed.

A £30 million deficit over a period of three years was announced by the authority earlier this month, and last week the first of the money-saving initiatives were given the go-ahead.

The schemes include home working for staff and expanding call centres across the local authority area.

The council have claimed taking these measures will improve its customer service and organisation as well as save the cash-strapped authority millions of pounds.

Many customers will be encouraged to go online to deal with what the council calls "straightforward requests" in relation to registration and planning issues as well as other matters.

But each of the main towns and major islands will retain a face-to-face facility where locals can meet council workers to discuss problems or requests. According to the body, this "modernisation" could save around £740,000 over a five-year period.

The council have also pledged to cut £1.5 million from their workforce bills by allowing some council staff to work from home.

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