West Lothian residents are being urged to help determine how the council cuts almost £50 million from its budget.
Among those services set to take the biggest hit in the council spending plans are education, changes to school transport & winter maintenance of roads; Increasing council tax, setting charges for household garden waste and reviewing planning fees to maximise developer contributions and commercial rents.
The cuts are to deal with a budget gap of £47.1 million between 2023 and 2028, caused by increasing costs and a rising population, combined with insufficient levels of government grant funding.
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Sally Pattle, the council’s sole Lib Dem councillor, said: “ Sadly, we cannot avoid these cuts, but we can influence where they are made."
The council has sent a paper copy of it's 'Have Your Say' consultation on spending plans to every household in West Lothian, and residents can also fill it in online on the Council’s website.
The Linlithgow councillor added: “The upcoming savings round required by West Lothian Council is going to be the toughest one yet. At a time when local government should be wrapping our arms around our community, providing warm spaces and enhanced access to services, we are instead being stripped to the bone.
"We are faced with almost impossible decisions over what to prioritise, but we can all help to shape the next three years of funding priorities by filling in this important consultation.
“This budget crisis highlights the real-life harm that years of underfunding local government has had, and the damaging consequences that we now face. But this isn't the time for playing party politics, and I hope we can all work together to get through this difficult time.”
She also highlighted help and advise services available to local people ahead of what is expected to be a "very difficult" winter, including the West Lothian Citizens Advice Bureau, The West Lothian Advice Shop and the new Community Connections service that’s started across West Lothian.
Once the public consultation closes, councillors will have a chance to consider public feedback and make a final decision on the measures in early 2023, when the budget for 2023/24 is set and the Council Tax level is agreed. The consultation is open until 20 November.
West Lothian Council Chief Executive Graham Hope said: “Like other local authorities in Scotland, West Lothian Council faces constrained funding and substantial cost increases in the next five years.
“This means that the council, along with the West Lothian community, will have to make difficult decisions about local services. Reductions in local government public spending have impacted council services for over 15 years and the council has made over £150 million worth of savings since 2007/08.
“We also understand that local people and businesses are also experiencing difficulties from the Cost of Living increases and the next five years are also expected to be extremely challenging for the council as it will also face many of the same pressures from the Cost of Living crisis.
“In preparation for the challenges ahead, we want to work with you – our community and partners – in shaping the future of council services in West Lothian. Your feedback will be used to help us become more sustainable, address the funding gap and meet the challenges ahead.”
To take part, please visit: https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/WL2028
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