Have you ever wanted to have your say on how the Council spends its Budget?
This year, North Ayrshire Council is giving everyone the chance to do just that – but time is running out to make your voice heard.
As part of preparations for setting the 2024/25 Budget, the Council is asking residents and staff to take the online ‘Budget Challenge’ which allows them to set their own ‘virtual budget’.
By taking the Budget Challenge, you can decide how you would allocate money across the Council.
It gives participants the chance to raise or reduce budgets for each Council service and see the consequences of their decisions in real time.
You can take part at https://budgetchallenge.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/
North Ayrshire Council is currently facing a funding shortfall of up to £16.8million for 2024/25. This is assuming that a potential Council Tax freeze is fully funded and is on top of making savings of more than £118million over the previous 12 years.
Each year, the process of balancing the budget gets ever more difficult, meaning tough choices undoubtedly have to be made.
Although the Budget Challenge is online, those without digital access can still take part, either at a local library or via the Council’s Customer Services team on 01294 310000.