Budget update
Christmas is increasingly all around us but the serious work of the council goes on, for example in planning for next year’s budget. The funding settlement the council receives from the Scottish Government is our main source of funding and so key in affecting how much we can do. We expect to get an indication of our funding for 2023/24 later this month.
In the run up to that, calls to save funding for councils are increasing at a national level, and locally councillors continue to encourage residents to engage with their Parliamentarians about the importance of funding for councils. You can find out more on our website.
Estimates of our funding gap have increased, for different reasons. You can read more about that in the ‘Budget Outlook’ report considered at the Policy and Resources Committee yesterday.
Work continues in the council to identify options for raising income or making the savings needed. A list of options will go to councillors in February when they set the budget.
I will update you again of course between now and then. If you have any questions between now and then you are welcome to get in touch at workingtogether@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Competition winner
Thank you to everyone who sent in a photo for my 2023 Christmas card – the standard was really impressive, we have some very talented photographers! I am delighted to announce that the winner is Alison Munro, Principal Teacher from Dunoon Primary School, currently working on the Maximising Attendance Project with the Educational Psychology Service. You can see Alison’s fantastic image here. Thank you again to everyone who provided a photo.
Recently I had the pleasure of visiting the Lochside day support centre in Lochgilphead and spoke with Senior Support Worker, Shirley Nicolson, and some of the people there, about the centre’s work.
Have a lovely weekend.
Pippa