AFTER one of the toughest budgets was agreed, Leader and Depute Leader of the Council spoke about the decisions they feel were forced on them.

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Bill McIntosh, said: " We only found out recently that the Scottish Government was imposing cuts of £9 million. £2 million is in Capital and rest in Revenue.

"We had to start again and file cuts by March. We had to do the unthinkable and hard. We had to go into areas that are an asset to us. It was unnecessary but we have had to do it."

John McDowal continued: "It was a double whammy for the local government. The. Scottish Government are taking funding from West Minster and then imposing future cuts then passing it to us. It is not fair."

"Our people will suffer the brunt. Children and families will suffer particularly with the closure of libraries with access to WIFI. We are working hard to continue that [WIFI] in the areas where the libraries will close."

There is some good news in the midst of these cuts with the introduction of the Ayrshire Growth Deal where South Ayrshire will work with North and East Ayrshire Council.

It is an opportunity for Ayrshire to seek investment from the UK and Scottish Government to drive economic growth and make sure local communities benefit from it.

Commenting on the proposals Cllr McDowall said: "It is part of the agenda to mange investment and attract £100,000 which has been favoured.

The scale includes all three Ayrshires. Plans include develop the airspace at Prestwick Airport. We want to promote the airspace which can benefit the three Ayrshires. If it commends admissions it will bring in mega sums."

Cllr McIntosh added: "We want to process this quickly. So the sooner we get this show on the road the better."

The council are expected to discuss these opportunities and the future of this plan.

In relation to health and social care which is part funded by the council and part funded by the NHS. Separate budget.

Cllr McIntosh said: "Health statistics, particularly here in South Ayrshire show A&E figures and heart disease is higher compared to the rest of Scotland. Want to promote a healthy society.

"What can you do about people living longer and getting older. It is silly not to spend money wisely. Year upon year funding goes down. And pay extra money elsewhere.

"Services need to be done differently with less staff and more technology. NHS are using technology all the time at home and this should progress. It will make us better people. Change will continue."

Cllr McDowall concluded: "There will be plenty improvement in time. If we do it right."