MASSIVE challenges face North Ayrshire Council as it gears up for its budget – with increased energy costs and inflation making the task increasingly difficult.

Now, the council is embarking on its budget consultation programme for 2023/24.

Ahead of the budget being set in March, the council is seeking views on the wide range of services it provides.

Local authority chiefs say they are facing unprecedented challenges due to factors that are largely beyond their control, including increased energy costs, inflation, and the cost-of-living crisis.  

In addition to undertaking engagement with locality partnerships, community groups and voluntary organisations, the council is also inviting residents to share their views on the services it provides.

Council leader Marie Burns said: “Everyone is feeling the financial squeeze at the moment and councils are no different.

“Unfortunately, we know that tough choices will need to be made when all councillors meet to set the budget on March 1.

“We want to be upfront about the scale of the challenges we all face, and we want to hear our communities’ views on what our priorities should be. It’s vital that we know this ahead of some very difficult decisions.”

Residents are asked to fill out the online budget survey here.

Hard copy materials are available on request for those with limited or no digital access. These can be accessed at local libraries and customer contact centres. You can also call the customer services team on 01294 310000 and they can help fill in the survey on your behalf.

The results of this survey will be used to help inform members as they meet to consider the 2023/24 budget in March.

For more in-depth detail about this year’s budget, including how council finances are managed, the services NAC provides and the financial challenges it faces, visit north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Budget.