Across Scotland, all councils including North Ayrshire are facing the most challenging financial climate since it was created almost 30 years ago.
Every year, we set a budget for the year ahead. We have to make sure our budget is balanced and that we only spend the money we know we have.
However, the money we receive from Council Tax and grant funding isn’t keeping pace with the rising costs of the services we provide. At the same time, demand for our services continues to increase.
Over the past eight years, we have cut more than £84 million from our budget. Despite that, the 2025 to 2026 budget is likely to be the most difficult we have ever experienced.
We expect to have a budget gap of at least £16 million. That means there will be painful choices ahead. Decisions will have to be made which will be unpopular but unfortunately necessary. There are no easy answers or ways to trim the budget without having a significant impact on our services or the way we deliver them.
Communities across North Ayrshire – including our members of staff – are encouraged to have their say as part of our budget engagement.
Visit the website to have your say now: Budget 2025 to 2026: have your say!