‘Alternative Delivery Model’ is Outsourcing, Says Stirling SNP
Stirling Council is set to outsource responsibility for fisheries, as part of the Labour-Tory administration’s budget plans. Proposals accepted at the recent Budget meeting included the option to ‘Pursue (an) alternative delivery model to Council Fisheries management and operations’. This was accepted by Labour and Tory Councillors. SNP proposals to throw out the option were rejected.
At present, Stirling Council manages the salmon fisheries in Stirling and Callander. Responsibilities include providing good quality and well-managed public salmon fishery for the benefit of both residents and visitors and promoting salmon conservation by limiting what anglers can take away, while still providing a full season of fishing.
Stirling SNP Councillors are urging Labour to reconsider, given Scottish Labour’s commitment to high-quality public services for the common good.
Stirling SNP Environment Spokesperson Cllr Jim Thomson said:
‘How often have we been told Labour will never privatise public services? Yet that is exactly what they are doing in Stirling. They and their Tory partners have decided fishery services are to be “outsourced” – in other words it’s to be privatised.
‘This is just the start. Labour councillors in Edinburgh voted with the Lib Dems to privatise waste and cleansing services. I wonder if Labour actually read the impact assessment of their budget decisions. Judging by their chaotic performance, I suspect not. If I’m wrong, then this is the thin edge of the wedge. Then again that’s what happens when you get into bed with the Tories.’
Stirling SNP Sustainability Spokesperson Cllr Rosemary Fraser said:
‘Stirling Council’s fisheries team do a great job in managing our fishing stocks, looking after our riverbanks and dealing with invasive weeds. The work they do cannot just be measured solely in terms of money. It’s quite concerning that Stirling Labour are willing to work hand-in-glove with the Tories to outsource important Council functions. I hope they reconsider, given how popular Stirling is for fishing.’