Hail to the council's new chief
East Dunbartonshire Council announced the appointment last week of a new chief executive. Gerry Cornes takes over the post following the departure of Sue Bruce to Aberdeen City Council.
EMPTY shops, potholes, run-down schools and finding 6million savings in the next few weeks – the new hand at the tiller of East Dunbartonshire Council has a lot of challenges to face.
But new chief executive Gerry Cornes is relishing the chance to steer the area's largest employer though troubled waters and on to new horizons.
Mr Cornes is under no illusions about the voyage ahead, but he is also in no doubt about the quality of his crew – currently numbering just over 5,000.
He told the Herald: "It's a great team here. They are our biggest asset and they are a fantastic team in terms of service delivery and their approach to the customer."
A best value audit inspection report is due soon and is expected to praise the council, staff and services.
However, Mr Cornes is keen that no-one rests on their laurels and is pushing on with changes to the organisational structure of the council, aimed at making it more efficient and cost-effective.
There is a particular emphasis on protecting and improving town centres such as Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs, in partnership with town centre steering groups, traders and bodies such as Kirkintilloch's Initiative.
The financial climate means it's going to be tough for the council as an employer and service-provider. The new budget must be set by February 12.
Mr Cornes said: "We have to find 6million for 2009/10. As well as that, we are looking ahead to the budgets coming for 2010/11 and beyond, which look to be even more challenging. There's going to be some very difficult decisions that will have to be taken."
Redundancies cannot be ruled in or out at this stage, but the council is committed to working with trade union partners.
Mr Cornes also spoke out on:
* Road repairs – "The council believes and we're lobbying at the moment to put the argument that we think the lack of trunk roads means we're not getting our fair share of funding. The key thing is, as a council, we've committed and identified in the coming financial year a significant element of the council's own capital budget towards improvements in the roads network."
* Free school meals for P1-P3 – "It's within the concordat agreement between national and local government. That commitment stands at the moment and we are currently budgeting for the provision of that commitment."
* School repairs – Mr Cornes said detailed information had been sought on the condition of the schools estate in East Dunbartonshire. He added: "There's money for the school estate in the coming programme, but we will have a much better and more informed position for 2010/11 onwards."
Mr Cornes (45) is married with a son and a daughter, and is from the Glasgow area. He has worked for the council since 1996 and has 24 years experience in local government.
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Weather for Kirkintilloch
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
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