Residents are being encouraged to have their say on local spending priorities as the council looks at ways to plug an estimated £5.4 million gap over the next two years.

The local authority has today, Friday 8 December 2023, launched a budget consultation covering the 2024/26 period.

As it stands, the council faces a funding gap of £5.4m made up of an estimated £800,000 shortfall for the 2024/25 financial year and a projected £4.6m in 2025/26.

An online survey has now been launched seeking the views of residents about what their local priorities are to help direct spending and identify potential savings across a range of council services.

Feedback from the consultation will help councillors to make decisions when setting the budget.

People are being invited to have their say on the importance of a range of services, from roads, public toilets, and waste, to teachers, school transport, and clothing grants.

Views are also being sought on areas such as libraries, community centres, community grants, and community learning and development initiatives, as well as employability services, free swimming for children, community wardens, and registrars.

Feedback is also being sought on potential Council Tax levels with increases of up to 10 per cent.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “Despite the hard work behind the scenes to deliver savings and efficiencies right across the council, the stark reality is that it is simply not enough and we still have financial challenges ahead.

“Unless more money for councils is forthcoming from the Scottish Government, we are left with no choice but to look once again at cuts to services and increased fees and charges, including further Council Tax rises.

“It is only right that residents have their say on what services matter most to them to help inform the budget setting process and I encourage people to take part in this important consultation because their views matter greatly.”  

Local authorities have a legal obligation to deliver a balanced budget.

The council’s projected budget shortfall and any associated savings are dependent on a variety of factors, including the level of local government grant from the Scottish Government, which accounts for around 80 per cent of council funding, and the rate of Council Tax.

The Scottish Government is due to publish its draft 2024/25 budget, including the local government settlement, on 19 December 2023.

The Inverclyde Council 2024/26 budget consultation will run until Friday 5 January 2024 – take the survey here.