Council sets out finance strategy for year ahead

'PRUDENT' investment and borrowing plans for the year ahead have been unveiled by Dumfries and Galloway Council. The strategy for 2026-7 safeguards public funds with prudent borrowing limits and regular monitoring to ensure transparency. The Treasury Management Strategy will be considered by councillors at a meeting in Dumfries tomorrow. It provides assurance that the council’s capital investment plans are financially sound and within approved limits, and that activities are closely monitored throughout the year. In practice, this means the council will only undertake borrowing it can afford to repay. Any surplus cash will be invested in line with strict criteria to protect public funds. Officials say that major capital projects are driving an increase in the council’s borrowing needs over the next few years. These include the construction of a new Dumfries High School, significant road improvements, the development of Dumfries Zero Waste Park, as well as the recently agreed Stranraer Marina and Whitesands Flood Protection Scheme. And they stress that the local authority has already set aside budget funds to cover the costs of this planned borrowing. Councillor Katie Hagmann said: “As a council, we have a responsibility to manage every pound prudently and in line with national guidance. This strategy shows that we are planning ahead and making responsible choices for 2026/27. “By setting clear borrowing limits and monitoring our investments closely, we’re ensuring that our communities’ money is safe and being put to work where it’s needed. “It’s about being open and accountable with how we manage our finances, and making sure Dumfries and Galloway remains on a stable footing for the future.”