RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on proposed cuts to South Lanarkshire Council’s budget this year.

Councillors need to find £17.5 million in savings in order to balance the local authority's books for 2021-22.

A number of different savings proposals have been identified to try and plug that gap.
Management and operational decisions which don’t require a change in council policy will help ease the extent of cuts elsewhere, saving £5.7 million with the equivalent of 55.5 full time job losses.

As a result, the council are now seeking opinions from the people who use their services on the best way to find the remaining £11.8 million.

Chief executive Cleland Sneddon has urged residents and community groups to have their say and help set the council’s budget for the next financial year.

He said: “In December we started our public consultation with an initial exercise based around general principles – we asked people which of our services they used and most valued, and took their views on our approach to such matters as the council tax.

“We now want to get views on the specific saving options that are available to elected members as they decide how to balance our budget.

“I know that all our councillors are keen to hear what local people want, and the feedback we get will help inform their decisions. It will therefore help shape the work we do on behalf of our local communities in the months and years ahead.”

To take part in the public consultation, visit here