THE public are being invited to have their say on how skint Dumfries and Galloway Council prioritises its spending next year.
The local authority will be facing yet another budget deficit for 2024/25 and some difficult decisions will have to be made to balance the books.
However, council chiefs have now taken the step of inviting members of the public and other stakeholders to shape the spending priorities for the region.
A report will be tabled at the full council meeting next week asking councillors to approve a consultation on the council budget for 2025/2026 and future years.
The consultation mandate states: “Dumfries and Galloway Council wants to understand the views of citizens, customers, employees and partners, especially those experiencing poverty and inequalities concerning the Dumfries and Galloway Council budget for 2025/26 and future years so that the council can agree a budget plan by February 27, 2025 so as to best meet the outcomes identified in our council plan, including its principles.”
Council officers have been working on detailed three-year proposals, which will form initial savings options.
Each proposal will go through an impact assessment screening process before being put forward. Thereafter, the consultation period for the public and other stakeholders has been pencilled for October-December 2024. This will include an online survey for gathering opinions,
Hard copies of the survey will be available at council customer service centres, while secondary schools will encourage pupils to complete the online questionnaire.
Focus groups are to be set up and various community organisations including parent councils, youth groups, and community councils are to be involved too.
