Pressures on purse
Further savings required to balance budget
The Council is set to publish its next Budget on 9 February next year.
We won’t know until early December exactly what Edinburgh’s share of the total funds available for councils across Scotland will be.
What is certain is that the latest financial forecast is going to make the Council’s budget decisions even more challenging for several years to come. We continue to face tough financial challenges and it is now estimated that we need to make an additional £23m of savings next year, bringing the total estimate to £97m of savings required over the next three years.
New pressures on the Council for next year include changes to national insurance employer contributions and the inability to implement changes to class contact time for teachers because the Scottish Government’s McCormac review of teacher pay and conditions has not recommended change nationally.
If the Scottish Government change the way it allocates grants to the Council, the amount of savings we need to make could reduce. However, additional savings will still need to be made over the next three years.
“We have a track record of rigorous financial management and despite the pressures of the last couple of years, it has been possible to deliver services within set budgets,” said Council Leader Jenny Dawe. “This sound financial management will continue and arrangements are already in place to deliver the approved savings from the budget over the next three years.” Last year the Council involved more than 2,000 people in the discussion about budget priorities.
This year that conversation will continue both in the community through Neighbourhood Partnerships and with city stakeholders and interest groups.
You can once again join that debate by contacting the Council Leader directly by Freepost or e-mail.
Your views are sought on the topic “Bearing in mind the financial situation what actions can we take to maintain, develop and improve services in Edinburgh?”
To respond to this question directly to the Council Leader, e-mail leader@edinburgh.gov.uk or write to Freepost RSJC-SLXC-YTJY, Budget, Council Leader, City Chambers, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ.