East Lothian Council Public Budget Consultation

Overview

You Pay... Have Your Say

Each year, East Lothian Council sets a budget to pay for the wide range of vital services it provides to the community.  This involves choice and setting priorities which means difficult decisions need to be made.  This is becoming increasingly challenging as we try to balance the needs and wishes of our communities, our growing and ageing population against diminishing resources.

We are already planning a significant number of efficiencies and budget reduction measures for both 2017/18 and 2018/19, however due to continuing austerity measures across the public sector, the amount of funding we receive from the Scottish Government is expected to reduce by more than £5 million with the anticipation that this will increase over the next three years to over £22 million and real potential for this to increase further.   We therefore need to act now.

A great deal has already been achieved by the Council whilst operating within budget and continuing to deliver and maintain local services.   This has involved doing things differently and working more efficiently in order to minimise the impact upon the public.  However, we know that there is a lot more to do, and we need to make some further tough choices.  Before the Council takes any decision on reshaping local services we want you to have your say.  

Please take your time to read through our Spending Choices paper (under 'Related' below) and give us your views. You pay, now it's time for you to have your say.

You can share your views by completing the online consultation survey below. Or you can send comments or suggestions to:

Head of Council Resources, East Lothian Council, John Muir House, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3HA

Or by email to youpayhaveyoursay@eastlothian.gov.uk

All responses should be received by Friday 6th January 2017

Why your views matter

This year's budget consultation is your opportunity to have your say on how we prioritise our spending and develop new, cost effective ways of delivering local services.