Over 7000 tax payers have spoken up and told council bosses what they want their money spent on.
The council’s WL2028 Your Council Your Say consultation has so far received in excess of 7,600 responses and over 22,800 comments on budget proposals and council tax levels.
Like other local authorities in Scotland, West Lothian Council faces constrained funding and substantial cost increases in the next five years. The council faces a budget gap of £57.7 million over the five-year period 2023/24 – 2027/28 and significant budget reduction measures need to be agreed in order that the council can balance its budget.
The consultation will be carried out over three phases. Phases one and two of the consultation sought the views of local residents on the future direction of the council, on specific budget reduction measures put forward by council officers, and on the level of future council tax increases.
Phases one and two have concluded with Phase three due to progress in 2023/24.
Graham Hope, the council’s chief executive said: “In preparation for the challenges ahead, we want to work with our communities and partners in shaping the future of local services in West Lothian.
“Feedback will help us become more sustainable, address the future funding gap and meet the challenges ahead. I’d like to thank all those that have taken the time to take part in the consultation to date.
“There is little doubt that, in future, our ability to deliver local services will have to change in the face of such stark reductions in our budget.
“The views of local people are extremely important and will help to shape the future of local services. Making tough decisions on reducing some local services is not an easy thing to do. Feedback provided through the consultation process will be used to help us become more sustainable, address the funding gap and meet the challenges ahead.
The council will look to agree its budget in February 2023 which will include a five-year Financial Plan.
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick added: “I’d like to thank all those that have taken part to date. For people to take time out of their day to provide feedback is appreciated and it helps to inform the decision-making process.
“Hugely difficult decisions lie ahead and it’s important that local people are given information and a chance to provide feedback.”
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