Auchinleck: East Ayrshire Council consultation session

The local authority says it is facing a £7million funding gap in the year ahead.

The budget consultation has been launched against a backdrop of rising costs for delivering public services, as well as the funding gap.

Residents, businesses and communities are now being invited to have their say on the council’s budget priorities, by taking part in the in-person event or an online survey.

The Auchinleck event will take place on Tuesday, December 5 at The Boswell Centre from 6.30pm-8pm.

This year’s budget consultation will run until Friday, December 15 and considers the current priorities as set out in the council’s strategic plan.

This includes: building a fairer economy; tackling poverty and inequality; improving community wellbeing; supporting children and young people; delivering a Clean Green East Ayrshire; and ensuring financial sustainability and resilience.

East Ayrshire Council Chief Executive Eddie Fraser. (Image: East Ayrshire Council)

Speaking about the pressures, East Ayrshire Council Chief Executive Eddie Fraser said: “The council has a vital role in supporting local people and communities, but just like household budgets, the council is experiencing significant increases in the cost of energy, goods and services, coupled with an increased demand for the services and an aging population.

"For the first time since the pandemic, we are taking to the road and bringing the budget consultation process directly to our communities, with a series of in-person events taking place, hosted by members of the council’s management team. 

"Our communities are at the heart of everything we do and we look forward to hearing what they have to say.”