Argyll and Bute Council is calling on its residents to help determine which services should be prioritised, protected, or reduced as it grapples with one of the largest budget gaps in its history.
With a looming shortfall of £14.9 million before savings measures are applied, the council is seeking public input through a four-week budget survey, now available on its website.
Despite implementing over £50 million in savings over the past decade, the financial strain remains severe, with an estimated funding gap of £6.4 million for 2025/26 and £27 million over the next five years.
A proposed additional £289 million in funding from the Scottish Government to local authorities may provide some relief, but it falls short of closing the gap entirely.
With the Scottish Parliament yet to finalise the budget, Argyll and Bute Council remains in a difficult position, balancing essential service provision against financial constraints.
Council Leader Jim Lynch highlighted the stark reality facing local government:
“Setting budgets is never easy, but this year we are facing our largest funding gap ever.
“With existing budgets stretched to their limits, we must consider what we are legally required to deliver versus what we would like to provide for our communities.
“We’ve explored every possible cost-saving avenue, but few options remain.
“The reality is that we either increase income to protect services or stop delivering some altogether.
“We need the public’s views on what matters most.”
Councillor Ross Moreland, Policy Lead for Financial Services, echoed these concerns, pointing out that only 26% of the council’s budget is available for savings, as the rest is locked into inflation, utility costs, and government-directed funding.
“Balancing the budget is becoming increasingly difficult,” he said.
“While we welcome additional Scottish Government funding, it does not solve the problem.
“We are now at the stage where we must decide what services we can afford to continue delivering.”
Argyll and Bute residents are encouraged to participate in the budget survey via the council’s website or request paper copies.
The results will help shape the budget decisions to be finalised on 27 February 2025.
This is an opportunity for the public to voice their concerns and influence how local services are prioritised during challenging financial times.