South Ayrshire Council has frozen local tax for residents as part of its budget for 2024/25.

The costs for each band will remain at the same rate, meaning residents will pay no more than they did this year.

As part of the budget, the council is proposing a capital investment programme of £408 million for the region's towns and villages over the next 12 years.

This includes additional investment of £22m for Ayr Town Centre, and £2m each for Maybole, Troon and Prestwick over the coming years.

The council is investing £2.6m in education to help improve attainment across South Ayrshire's schools.

They're also allocating additional funding to its free school meals programme, and to ongoing works at the new Girvan Primary School and Maybole Community Campus. 

Another £100 million is being invested in the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) – a 9.1 per cent increase on previous years.

And £22m of funding will be allocated to the re-development of the former Hourstons Department Store for HSCP service users and staff. 

 A range of upgrades will be made to the gym facilities at Troon Swimming Pool to extend the existing fitness suite, including the provision of a bespoke studio space along-with refurbishment of the changing accommodation and reception area.

Belleisle Golf Course will also receive additional funding as part of a programme of enhancements across our golfing estate. 

As part of the council’s plans to generate more income, in July this year it will introduce a £50 charge for garden waste collections.

Leader of South Ayrshire Council Councillor Martin Dowey said: “This budget has been developed against a financially challenging background, but despite this I’m pleased we’ve been able to balance the books.

“Although we have savings to make, we are aware of the financial hardship the cost-of-living crisis has caused for many local people, and we hope the council tax freeze will help with this.  

“Community engagement is really important to us. We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to influence and contribute to the decisions being made, so I’d encourage all residents to participate in our budget consultation.”

Proposals for savings and a fresh consultation on the budget are also available to view online at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk.