Budget views sought again from region

RESIDENTS are once again getting the chance to give their views on Dumfries and Galloway Council’s budget and spending plans.

The local authority will launch a budget consultation 2026/27 in mid-October, inviting views on how they should respond to nationwide financial challenges.

It will run from Friday 17 October to Sunday 23 November, giving people five weeks to consider a range of budget savings and income-generation options – and provide feedback.

Ahead of that, an interactive budget simulator will go live in late September to show the challenge and the trade-offs involved in balancing the council’s budget.

Officials have pointed out that, like councils across Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway faces significant financial pressures.

Rising costs and demand for services are outstripping funding, leaving the council needing to find around £35 million through savings and income generation over the next three years.

And this £35 million shortfall does not include any Council Tax increases that were tentatively planned for the next two years. Even with the additional income from Council Tax, there will still be a significant budget funding gap.

This means substantial savings, efficiencies and income generation are required to balance the books, on top of the £133 million in savings made over the past 16 years.

Council leader Cllr Stephen Thompson yesterday said: “This is a difficult financial period for all local authorities, and our council is no exception. We must make significant savings and look at new ways of generating income while continuing to protect vital services and support our communities. That’s why the views of residents, staff and partners at an early stage is important, so councillors can hear directly what matters most before they make decisions.

“Every community, colleague, and partner, has a stake in how we shape our services for the future, so I encourage everyone to take part when the consultation launches – whether online, at a community event or by filling in a paper survey. Your views can make a difference.

“This consultation is about more than numbers – it’s about listening to what matters most to the people of Dumfries and Galloway. Every community, every colleague, every partner has a stake in how we shape our services for the future.”

He is encouraging everyone to take part, whether online, at a community event or by filling in a paper survey, adding: “Your views really do make a difference. By taking part, you can make sure your voice is heard as councillors prepare to make the difficult decisions that lie ahead.”