No black hole in the Council's Finances...

Despite claims to the contrary, there is no 'black hole' in the Council's finances.

While the news regarding the Council's Future Operating Model is extremely disappointing - and is the subject of an ongoing investigation - alternative savings have been identified, which mean that the budget gap that has to be closed is of a similar order to that advised to Elected Members before Christmas.

We are still faced with making some very difficult conditions, just like other Councils the length and breadth of the UK. I am confident however that due to our prudent financial management over the last few years we will be able to avoid some of the severe cuts to services that have been made by other Councils.

There will be no closures of community facilities in Inverclyde.

There will be no reduction in school transport entitlement in Inverclyde.

We will protect services to the most vulnerable in our community and continue to prioritise investment in our schools.

I certainly don't need lessons on how to lead the Council from my immediate predecessor. He was so successful that the size of the Lib Dem Group has reduced from 13 to a rump of 3.