This is the highest ever number of responses generated via a council budget consultation.

The Your Council, Your Say consultation sought feedback on range of budget options available to the council, as the local authority seeks to reduce costs and balance the council’s budget across the next two years – something the council is legally required to do.  The consultation also sought feedback on Council Tax and participants were asked if they would support an increase in Council Tax if all funding raised was spent on key services.

Based on the latest information available, forecasts show that West Lothian Council faces a revenue budget gap of approximately £23million over the next two years (2026/27 to 2027/28) although this is expected to increase

The gap is caused by rising costs of providing council services combined with insufficient levels of funding to support all council services. Over 80% of the council’s budget comes from Scottish Government Grant Funding whilst Council Tax makes up around 19% of a council’s budget. In its latest assessment of local government finances, the Accounts Commission reported this year that mounting pressures from inflation, increasing costs and demand are exceeding the Scottish Government’s additional investment in Scotland’s councils. They confirmed that intensifying service demands, including social care as Scotland’s population ages, mean Scottish councils had to cover a budget shortfall of £647 million in 2025/26.

The broad results are below and will be presented to the Council Executive next week:

  • Do you agree that officer should look at more efficient ways of working? 91% yes/9% no
  • Do you agree that the council should look for opportunities to generate income, including raising fees and charges? 59% yes/41% no
  • Do you agree that the council should reduce the number of facilities and buildings to help focus spending on maintaining key services? 56% yes/44% no
  • Do you agree that the council should respond to demographic change and shape services around the local population/demographic? 76% yes/24% no
  • Do you agree that the council should reduce spending on non-statutory services? 61% yes/39% no
  • Would you support an increase in Council Tax if all funding raised was spent on key services? 52% yes/48% no

An overview of the comments made are listed within the report going to Council Executive. Special Policy Development and Scrutiny Panels will take place in February to allow elected members to consider the responses in more detail.

The feedback will be used to shape the draft budget currently being developed by Council officers.