Budget brings new rules of engagement
Highland Council is asking for the public, staff, trade unions and members to help make "very hard decisions" as it looks to cut close to £67 million from its budget through a month of consultations with communities.
The local authority is planning for a potential budget gap of £66.7 million over the next three years despite over £100 million in cuts starting in 2013 and projected into next year.
The council’s budget team launched November’s public engagement on Wednesday and is calling for everyone to get involved to make their views known.
On Monday, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced £950 million more to the Scottish block grant and it is hoped that some of it will reach the council. But budget leader councillor Alister Mackinnon said uncertainty would remain until the Scottish Government budget in mid-December.
Cllr Mackinnon said: "The exact gap is very uncertain as although the UK government’s budget has been announced, we will not have the Scottish Government’s budget and grant settlement figures until mid-December. We are hopeful however that the Scottish Government will pass on the additional money.
"Over the period 2013/14 to 2018/19 the Highland Council has already had to implement budget savings of £102.1 million and council tax rises of 3% in each of the last two years in order to deliver a balanced budget. We have managed to do this without compulsory redundancies and at the same time have still invested in important projects across the Highlands – such as new schools, roads and free wi-fi."
A major concern is the council’s financial reserves which are at their "lowest levels in recent history" requiring immediate action.
"We were estimating a £5 million overspend in quarter one – but our officers have been working extremely hard to reduce this and we are now predicting a more positive out-turn with an overspend of £2.5 million," Cllr Mackinnon said. "This is not ideal, but moving in the right direction. We do however have the risk of the cost of another harsh winter ahead of us."
The council is now focusing on income generation, commercialisation and efficiencies to protect essential services.
Cllr Mackinnon added: "There will be very hard decisions to make as we plan for a reduced budget over the next three years and it is vital that we involve the public, our staff and all members in the choices we make."
Depute budget leader councillor Matthew Reiss said: "This is an opportunity to listen to what is important to people, to reshape our priorities and to focus our resources on improving lives.
"I strongly encourage everyone to get involved in this and make your voices heard. This is your council and your future."
