Budget 2025 to 2026: have your say
Across Scotland, all councils including North Ayrshire are facing the most challenging financial climate since it was created almost 30 years ago.
Every year, we set a budget for the year ahead. We have to make sure our budget is balanced and that we only spend the money we know we have. However, the money we receive from Council Tax and grant funding isn’t keeping pace with the rising costs of the services we provide. At the same time, demand for our services continues to increase.
Over the past eight years, we have cut more than £84 million from our budget. Despite that, the 2025 to 2026 budget is likely to be the most difficult we have ever experienced. We expect to have a budget gap of at least £16 million. That means there will be painful choices ahead. Decisions will have to be made which will be unpopular but unfortunately necessary. There are no easy answers or ways to trim the budget without having a significant impact on our services or the way we deliver them.
Key information: You can find out more about the budget setting process, including details on how we are funded, how your Council Tax is spent and what services we provide by visiting our budgetary YouTube channel.
Given the scale of the financial challenge, a series of areas have been identified for community engagement. Prior to any decisions being made, it is important you tell us what kind of impact these would have on you and the community in which you live.
By selecting on any of the sections, you will be asked a series of questions. Your answers will provide important feedback as we consider what savings we make.
Community facilities and car parking
Share your views on:
- review of KA Leisure facilities and charges
- public libraries - retention of all locality hub libraries and Cumbrae library
- closure of Arran Outdoor Education Centre
- removal of services at Eglinton Country Park
- introduce charging for car parking at council owned car park
Waste services
Share your views on:
- review the waste collection frequency for purple and blue bins
- annual charge for collection of garden waste
- review of charges for bulky waste collection
Schools and related services for children and young people
Share your views on:
- realign the level of teaching resource across North Ayrshire schools
- realign the level of Pupil Support Assistants in schools
- review of provision of Area Inclusion Workers
- redesign of music service
- review of Campus Police Officer arrangements
- cleaning reduction in School and in Early Years
- review of School Crossing Patrollers
- review of Educational Psychology service
Taxes and Levies
Share your views on:
- applying 100% Council Tax premium on second homes
- review of Non-Domestic Rates – Empty Property Reliefs
- charge a Tourist Visitor Levy
- level of increase in Council Tax
Service Delivery
Share your views on:
- review of Economic Development, Growth and Regeneration Services
- shared services on a Regional basis
For more information about the council’s medium-term financial outlook for 2025 and 2026 to 2027 and 2028, including the anticipated savings from each of the proposals outlined in the surveys, please see the council report dated 9 October 2024
Your privacy is important to us. The Budget Survey Privacy Policy sets out how we will use any personal information you choose to provide when completing the surveys.