COUNCIL Tax could increase by three per cent from March in the 2018 budget.

This was confirmed by the head of South Ayrshire Council’s conservative party at a public meeting recently.

Cllr Martin Dowey, said: “Council tax will go up by three per cent. It has not been confirmed but it will. 

“It doesn’t raise a lot of money but not putting it up would be worse as it was frozen for a long time. We are trying to play catch up now.”

Community consultations regarding the 2018 budget proposals went live on Monday, January 15 on the South Ayrshire Council website.

Residents have until Sunday, February 11 to give feedback through an online survey and have their say on the proposals.

There will be an option to provide detailed information on each of the plans as well as a ‘tick the box’ system to say whether they agree or not with the potential cuts. 

Cllr Siobhian Brown, said: “The community consultation for the budget cuts will be going live this week. South Ayrshire residents are encouraged to go online to give us feedback.

“There will be proposals that will not be going through.”

The proposed savings – designed to bridge an anticipated, and unprecedented, funding gap of around £17 million for 2018/19 as well as further savings for 2019/20 – will go out for consultation in the new year and the Council is keen that as many people as possible have their say. 

No decisions have been made on any of the proposals as yet and it will be the 28 Councillors elected to serve the people of South Ayrshire who will decide which ones go ahead and which ones don’t when the Council sets its budget this March.

Residents have been encouraged to email their local councillor with their views and concerns so that it can be taken to the administration and points made.

There are plans to reduce operating hours/level of services, stop a service altogether or close certain facilities. There are also suggestions to increase charges or introduce new ones on certain facilities which would normally be free.

For more information visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/balancing-the-budget

Community consultations will take place as follows:

Asda, Heathfield Retail Park, Ayr

Tuesday, January 23

12:00pm - 2pm

Ayr Academy, University Avenue, Ayr

Tuesday, January 23

3pm - 6.30pm

Sainsbury's, Ayr Road, Prestwick

Wednesday, January 24

12pm - 2pm

Prestwick Academy, Newdykes Road, Prestwick

Wednesday,January 24

3pm - 6.30pm

More dates in next week's paper.