East Lothian Council Budget Consultation 2027-2028

Overview

East Lothian is a great place in which to grow up, live and work. It is also changing. 

Our population is growing, as the local area is playing its part in delivering nationally set housing targets. Meanwhile, the cost of providing public services is increasing due to other factors such as inflation, while more people need support. At the same time, the money available to the council is not keeping pace with all of those pressures. 

Council tax only provides around 25% of the budget we need to run services, and income from new housing does not cover the complete cost of services needed for a larger population.

Most of our funding comes from central government and while the amount has risen, much of the new funding is tied to existing or new policy commitments. 

That means some difficult choices lie ahead. 

Current financial planning suggests that East Lothian Council will need to find around £8 million in 2027/28, with financial pressures continuing in the years ahead. 

In making important decisions about future priorities, we need to ensure we have an understanding of what matters to the people who live and work here. 

People across East Lothian have already given their time, shared their experiences and taken part in consultations, community conversations, local groups, services and partnerships. 

What we have already heard tells us that people care about things such as:

• children and young people having the best possible start
• being able to live healthy, independent lives
• feeling safe in their homes and communities
• having enough money to live well
• good housing, transport and local places
• being connected to other people and their community
• getting help early, before a problem becomes a crisis
• fairness and making sure people experiencing the greatest inequalities are not left behind

So this conversation starts with what we already know. 

We want to have a better conversation and need your help with the difficult choices ahead.