Virtual budget challenge opens

A NEW interactive tool has been created to help residents explore the tough choices involved in balancing the council’s budget. People across the region are being invited to take part in a virtual exercise to identify £12 million in savings – as part of the budget consultation for Dumfries and Galloway Council, which will launch next Friday. The council anticipates needing to find around £35 million in savings or new income over the next three years. The budget challenge asks participants to move digital ‘sliders’ – including one that lets you adjust council tax levels – to protect or reduce budgets across key service areas, or to generate additional income. It gives an insight into the complex trade-offs councillors must make when setting a balanced budget. Council Leader, cllr Stephen Thompson, said: “The Budget Challenge helps to illustrate the difficult decisions that come with setting a balanced budget against financial pressure “This is to encourage people to take a few minutes and try the simulator. Along with the financial figures it shows the impact that making savings or changing council tax levels have on the services or across the system. “By taking part now, you can help shape the discussion before the formal Budget Consultation opens on 17 October. Every view submitted will help to better understand what matters most to the people of our region.” To take part in the budget challenge visit: budgetchallenge.dumgal.gov.uk.