Published Date: Jun 26th, 2025
Fife Council has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality public services through a programme of reform, digital innovation, and workforce transformation.
At today’s (Thursday) Cabinet Committee meeting, councillors discussed reports that set out a clear direction for the council’s future: a sustainable, community-focused organisation equipped to meet the challenges of the years ahead.
And Council Leader Cllr David Ross explained that the council continues to be ambitious for Fife despite future financial uncertainty.
"The budget report we discussed today sets out the scale of what we're facing with a projected budget gap of £36.3 million by 2028/29. However we are making progress towards closing that gap through an ambitious change programme that will continue to deliver high-quality, sustainable public services and better outcomes for all Fifers."
In February the council set the 2025-28 budget and an extensive package of change and transformation was approved. These savings closed the budget gap for 2025-26 but also went a significant way towards closing the budget gap for 2026-27 onwards.
Added Cllr Ross: "By taking these steps in February the current budget gap for 2026-27 is already £10.887m lower than it might have been had we not taken a medium-term approach to change. We will continue to close this gap through strategic change, service transformation, and smarter use of resources — all while protecting frontline services and supporting the most vulnerable."
Councillors also discussed the council's new People Plan and Workforce Strategy. Our People Matter, sets out how the council will support and develop its workforce to meet future needs. It focuses on leadership, adaptability, digital skills, and wellbeing — ensuring that employees are equipped to deliver services in new and innovative ways. The strategy aligns with the council’s wider reform agenda and digital ambitions.
Cllr Ross said: "Our employees are the heart of our organisation and we can only change for the better if our staff are supported and buying into our transformation agenda, driving change and Innovation across the council.
"The Change Planning report that we discussed today outlines how we are delivering a wide-ranging programme of transformation across the whole council. These changes are designed to simplify processes, improve outcomes, and ensure services are more responsive to local needs.
"This is a pivotal moment for Fife Council. We are facing significant financial pressures, but we are also seizing the opportunity to do things differently. By investing in our people, embracing digital innovation, and working more closely with communities, we are building a council that is fit for the future and focused on delivering the Plan for Fife."
