Leader open to council budget reforms

CITY leader Jenny Dawe has admitted that she is open to the idea of reform of the council's budget process.

Opposition councillors have called for changes to the system, which sees administration budget proposals only tabled on the morning of the budget-setting council meeting.

Many councillors want to see a system similar to the one used in the Scottish Parliament, where consultation begins after the proposals are tabled.

Cllr Dawe revealed work will take place to look at the idea of reform. She said: "I know that our new chief executive did some innovative work on budgets in Aberdeen and I'm sure it will be a decision we will have to make on how we can improve the process once we get this budget through."

The full budget for 2011-12 is due to be decided at the City Chambers on Thursday.