Council spending plans for the upcoming year

THE Labour Group’s budget motion for 2026/27 was passed 16-15 in a final round of voting at last Thursday’s meeting, pictured. It was the third successive year where the council administration failed to gain enough backing for its own financial plans and policies. Councillor Carolyne Wilson, the Labour Group leader, set out Dumfries and Galloway Council’s spending plans for the upcoming financial year. Some of the wide-ranging commitments are as follows: * £928,000 for tackling poverty initiatives/cost of living support; * £453,000 investment in community assets; * £67,000 for the reinstatement of layby bins (outwith 30mph limit areas); * £300,000 for playparks; * £96,000 to be invested in devolved school management to support school autonomy. Some of the key savings proposals/changes to financial plans are as follows: * £656,000 to be saved by removing permanent supply teacher pool; * £186,000 to be saved following consultation to close small nurseries; * A further £124,000 to be saved by sharing management of very small nurseries; * £124,000 to be saved by reducing secondary teaching staff to reflect falling pupil numbers; * £45,000 to be cut from Citizens’ Advice Service funding; * £60,000 to be saved by reducing the number of council office buildings; * £258,000 additional income to be generated by increasing burial fees; * £215,000 extra income to be generated from a review of roads fees and charges; * £12,000 additional income from increasing price of school meals.