East Lothian Council Budget Consultation 2026-27

Page 1 of 4

1. The council faces significant funding gaps over the coming years that will mean that we need to make some big changes to the way that we currently work. Our Financial Strategy sets out five key themes to support this process. We would like to hear your views on these areas. Please rank the themes to show the your preferences (1 = most preferred, 5 = least preferred)

Asset rationalisation and energy efficiency – reducing costs by reviewing and rationalising buildings and exploring opportunities to raise income through renewable energy

Income generation – increasing the income the council receives, including through charges and commercial activity

Transformation, service redesign and digitalisation – changing how services operate to make them more efficient, including online

Early intervention and prevention – services that offer earlier support for people to prevent larger/ longer term issues that require expensive interventions

Service reduction – reducing services to deliver savings.

2. The council is having to make hard choices to balance its budget. Please tick the statement which best describes your views on each of the areas below.

3. If savings must be made, which areas would you least object to being reduced?

Please type here

4. Every 1% increase to the council tax charge equates to a weekly increase of £0.30 for an average property in East Lothian. Would you support an increase to council tax charges from April 2026 in order to protect council services?

Yes – I would support an increase as long as it wasn’t more than £3 per week Yes – I would support an increase as long as it wasn’t more than £5 per week Yes – I would support an increase of more than £5 per week No – I would not support any increase Don’t know

5. How important is it that the Council protects services for vulnerable groups (e.g., older people, children at risk, low-income families), even if this means reducing other services?

Very important Important Neutral Less important Not important

6. Would you support more services being delivered online if this saved money?

Yes, strongly support Yes, somewhat support No opinion No, prefer in-person No, strongly oppose

7. What suggestions do you have for making council services more efficient or cost-effective?

Please type here

8. If savings are necessary, which principle do you think is most fair?

Everyone experiences a small reduction in services Larger reductions in non-essential services to protect essentials Focus on efficiency and digital transformation to avoid reductions Increase charges/fees for certain services instead of reducing them

9. Would you or your community group be interested in playing a larger role in delivering or supporting local services (e.g., volunteering, partnerships)?

Yes Maybe No

10. Looking beyond 2026–27, what do you think should be the Council’s top financial priority?

Please type here

11. Do you think there would be any equality, human rights, or wellbeing impacts arising from the areas considered in this consultation?

Yes No Don't know

If yes, please provide details

12. Do you have any other comments or ideas you would like to share about the council’s budget?

Please type here