Budget Consultation

Like all councils across Scotland, West Lothian Council faces significant financial pressures. The Accounts Commission for Scotland - an independent auditor - believes that councils in Scotland must cover a budget shortfall of £647 million in 2025/26.

West Lothian Council has had to make savings of £184 million since 2007 due to insufficient levels of funding combined with rising costs and increasing demand. Now, unless additional funding is provided, a further £23 million of savings are predicted over the next two years in West Lothian.

Senior council officers have developed proposals and residents, staff and partners will be encouraged to share their views on how the council should respond to the nationwide financial challenges.

Details on the proposals and on how to take part in the Budget Consultation will be available next week.

What is the aim of the budget consultation?

The consultation seeks views on how the budget gap can be met. Those completing the survey - which will be available online and in print format - are being asked whether they agree that proposals being put forward are the ways the Council should make budget savings and, if so, how they should be implemented.

If those taking part do not agree with the proposals, they will be asked for suggestions on how else the Council could make the required savings.

The content of the consultation has been developed by Senior council officers, based on:

• Opportunities to make services more efficient

• An analysis of savings measures implemented by other local authorities

• An analysis of the services provided by West Lothian Council, and whether they are statutory and non-statutory

Why does the council have to implement budget savings?

Every effort is being made to ensure the council operates as efficiently and effectively as possible and that every penny of the council's budget is used to protect core services.

However rising costs and demand for services are far outstripping the council's funding, leaving the council needing to find around £23 million through savings and income generation over the next two years.

Even with proposed additional income from Council Tax, the council would still face a significant budget funding gap.

It is important to stress that the proposals drawn up are not an agreed list of measures. The council has not agreed to implement any measures at this stage, but rather the proposals are an illustration of action that could be taken.

Councillors haven't been involved in developing proposals at this stage but views and comments provided will help to shape the final budget proposals to be developed by council officers that are then presented to elected members (Councillors) in future, and will help them to make a final decision about West Lothian Council's budget in February 2026.

Chief Executive of West Lothian Council, Graham Hope said: "We want to work with our community, staff and partners to ensure that the council becomes more sustainable, addresses the funding challenges and meets the needs of our communities.

"The council has a limited number of options in terms of what choices can be made. Legally, the amount a council spends on services must be the same as the funding we receive - that is a statutory requirement and after years of insufficient levels of funding provided to councils, combined with a huge increase in demand for some services, there are no easy choices.

"It is vital that the local community, our staff and partners have the opportunity to consider the proposals set out by officers and are provided an opportunity to have their say. I would encourage residents to take the time to consider the information in the consultation and provide feedback."

• Details on how to take part will be available on Thursday 16 October and are subject to agreement by Council Executive next week