Budget Consultation 2026/27

1) About the Consultation   

What is the Budget Consultation?  

It’s how we ask residents, community groups, partners and colleagues to help shape Dumfries and Galloway Council’s budget for 2026/27 (and indicative plans for the following two years).    

Why are we consulting this year?  

Like many councils, our costs and demands on services continue to rise faster than funding. Current planning points to savings of around £35 million – through savings and income generation – over the next three years to balance the books. Importantly, this £35 million shortfall does not include any Council Tax increases that were tentatively planned by the council for 2026/27 and 2027/28. Even with the additional income from Council Tax, the council would still face a significant budget funding gap. 
  
That scale of change will affect everyone in some way, so it's important the consultation reflects a wide range of voices. Consultation helps us weigh the impacts and priorities across our region’s communities before decisions are made.    

Is this a genuine consultation?  

Yes. The proposals are developed by officers for discussion – they are not decisions. Councillors will consider all feedback before agreeing the final budget. We follow the council’s Consultation Framework and will publish a ‘You Said – We Did’ report afterwards.    

Didn’t we do this last year?  

Yes. Feedback from the 2025/26 consultation influenced the budget agreed in February 2025. This year’s consultation focusses on the 2026/27 budget and beyond. Each year brings new pressures and budgets savings and income-generation options.    

Are other councils in the same position?  

Yes. Rising costs, inflation and demand are affecting councils across Scotland and the UK – especially in social care, education and infrastructure. Many other councils are also running consultations on tough decisions that need to be made.    

Why is there a funding shortfall?  

Government funding isn’t rising in line with inflation, pay awards and demand. Demand is increasing in areas such as homelessness and support for vulnerable families, alongside cost pressures in care, education and infrastructure. At the same time, costs for energy have gone up. Even with Council Tax increases, there’s still a significant shortfall.    

Can’t reserves be used instead of making cuts?  

Reserves are limited and mostly earmarked for emergencies or specific commitments. They can only cover a small part of the gap and don’t solve the long-term challenge.    

Why spend money on consultation?  

Consultation costs are minimal compared to the overall budget, mainly involving time spent by council officers. This is important – engaging the public is key to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.    

When does the consultation run?  

From Friday 17 October 2025 to Sunday 23 November 2025 (just over five weeks).    

Is there anything before the consultation?  

Yes. A Budget Simulator will be published in early October so people can explore the challenge and trade-offs. This forms part of our pre-consultation awareness work.  

  

2) Taking part    

How can I have my say?    

You can contribute via:  

• online survey on the Budget Consultation webpage, which will be made live on 17 October 2025  

• Community Conversations in every ward (12 in-person events), We’ll publicise these across our social media  

• targeted focus groups (e.g., equality groups, people experiencing poverty)  

• paper copies in libraries and Customer Service Centres, with digital assistance available    

Is there an email inbox for questions?  

Yes. The dedicated consultation inbox is [email protected]    

Can I take part without internet access?  

Absolutely. Paper surveys and assisted digital support will be available in libraries and Customer Service Centres.    

Do social media comments count?  

No. Only responses through official channels (survey, events, paper returns, inbox) are included in the formal analysis. Social media is for awareness and signposting. If you want to take part, have your say and influence the tough decisions councillors will need to make, we urge you to fill in the budget consultation survey.  

  

3) What’s in scope?    

What information will be published?    

We’ll publish:  

• a summary of proposed budget savings and income-generation options (with plain English descriptions)  

• the financial context, including how the council is funded and where money is spent  

• details of how to take part    

Will there be alternative formats?    

Yes. We’ll make sure the information is written in plain, accessible language. Paper copies will be available on request and at libraries and Customer Service Centres, where assisted digital support is also offered.    

Where does the council’s money come from?    

In 2024/25:  

• Scottish Government Grant – 65.7%  

• Council Tax – 16%  

• Non-Domestic Rates – 13.2%  

• other sources – 5.1%  

  

4) Colleague involvement and support   

How can staff contribute?    

Colleagues are at the heart of delivering services. We’ll continue to communicate openly and involve staff at every stage, just as we are involving residents. Colleagues are encouraged to complete the public survey and attend Community Conversations.   

Will this affect jobs?  

Some proposals could change how services are delivered. Where that might impact staff, the council will follow its agreed workforce policies and consult with trade unions. Our approach is always to minimise impact on staff and continue supporting colleagues through any changes.    

Are trade unions involved?  

Yes. Trade unions are being briefed and consulted throughout, including via the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC).    

How will staff hear about outcomes?  

An internal update will be issued on the day of the public budget decision. Managers will brief affected teams directly.    

What support is available for staff?  

• manager briefings and cascade so every team – including offline colleagues –gets timely information  

• a dedicated intranet (Connect) hub with FAQs and key dates  

• Human Resources (HR) and trade unions available for advice throughout the process  

• information and signposting via the intranet, Connect  

• time in team meetings to raise questions and share ideas (ask your manager in the first instance; you can also email [email protected].)  

  

5) Key milestones    

• Early October 2025 – Budget Simulator launches (pre-consultation tool)  

• 17 Oct–23 Nov 2025 – Public consultation open  

• 11 Dec 2025 – Interim feedback to Full Council  

• 26 Feb 2026 – Final budget set at Full Council    

Will results be published?  

Yes. A full consultation report will be published, plus a plain-English ‘You Said – We Did’ summary.   

How will views influence decisions?  

Feedback will be considered alongside statutory duties, equality and children’s rights duties, financial constraints and service risks. Councillors will use this evidence when setting the final budget.  

  

6) Money matters    

What is the 'funding gap'?  

It’s the difference between what services cost and what income we expect. It changes with inflation, demand for services the council provides, pay awards and government settlements. Current planning assumes around £35m of savings over three years are required.    

Will Council Tax go up?  

Final decisions will be made in February 2026. Earlier planning assumptions indicated rises of 7% in 2026/27 and 6% in 2027/28. Even with those increases, a large shortfall remains.    

Is it all about cuts?  

No. Options include efficiencies, service changes, income generation and reducing lower-priority activities – plus ideas from residents and staff. We’re also exploring how to deliver services differently and protect the things that matter the most to our region’s communities.     

Why not cut management or councillor expenses?  

Several of the budget savings options already look at internal efficiencies. Councillor allowances are set nationally and make up only a very small fraction of the budget.    

Why not cancel big projects?  

Capital projects are usually funded separately from everyday services and often involve legal commitments. These projects – such as building infrastructure or investing in long-term improvements – are designed to save money or generate income over time. Unlike revenue budgets, which cover day-to-day services like staffing and maintenance, capital funds are not typically available to be reallocated for routine spending.   

  

7) Practicalities and conduct    

How will you make it easy to take part?  

We’ll keep the survey short and clear, use visuals (like ‘£1 in the budget’), offer paper and assisted digital options and run local events across the region. We’ll make particular effort to hear from people who might not usually get involved, such as those experiencing poverty.    

Is the process fair?  

Yes. The consultation follows our Consultation Framework and national standards. We will use multiple methods so that a diverse range of voices are heard.   

 

8) Budget options

In options 3.03, 3.04 and 3.05 you are proposing to consult on school closures. What schools might be affected by this proposal?

Schools rolls fluctuate each school year and so this list of schools may be subject to change. As it stands just now, these are the schools within each threshold in the savings options.

Schools less than 20 - 5 in total:

• Lochrutton PS
• Hightae PS
• Colvend PS
• Garlieston PS
• Portpatrick PS 

Schools 25 and less - 13 in total, but adds 8 to the 5 above.

• Auchencairn PS
• Brydekirk PS
• Caerlaverock PS
• Drummore PS
• Nethermill PS
• Shawhead PS
• St Joseph's RC PS
• St Mungo PS

Schools 50 and less - 36 in total, but adds 23 to the 13 above.

• Kirkcowan PS
• Brownhall PS
• Johnstonebridge PS
• Kells PS
• Cummertrees PS
• Kirkgunzeon PS
• Kirkinner PS
• Leswalt PS
• Minnigaff PS
• Springholm PS
• Collin PS
• Amisfield PS
• Castle-Kennedy PS
• Closeburn PS
• Moniaive PS
• New Abbey PS
• Duncow PS
• Dunscore PS
• Gelston PS
• Applegarth PS
• Beattock PS
• St Teresa's RC PS
• Springfield PS

In the savings options 2025/26 3.06 you are proposing to close of transfer remaining council-run community halls. What halls are included in this?

The 6 halls included in this option that could be considered for transfer or closure are:

• Victoria Halls, Annan
• Lockerbie Town Hall
• McMillan Hall, Newton Stewart
• Dalbeattie Town Hall
• Castle Douglas Town Hall
• Kirkcolm Hall

In option 5.07 you are proposing to charge households for replacement of grey bins. What fee are you proposing to charge?

• Our council service carried out a benchmarking exercise with other Scottish Local Authorities. We are proposing to adopt the average cost across Scotland of replacing a non-recycling bin, which is £51.61.

 

9) Who received Business Rates Relief?

Council Policy Discretionary Relief can be awarded to top up the relief awarded to organisations, including Social Enterprises and Inspired Community Enterprise Trusts who already qualify for 80% mandatory Charitable relief to top up relief to 100%, or award the full 100% relief where the qualifying criteria is met, as follows:

• The organisation is entitled/or could be entitled to mandatory Charitable Relief.
• The premises are used for the benefit to residents in the area.
• The use of the premises relieves the Council from providing similar facilities.
• The organisation provides special facilities to certain priority groups such as elderly, disabled, minority group, disadvantaged groups?

Eligibility The following conditions must be met to be eligible for Discretionary Relief:- • The premises must not be used for commercial purposes e.g. café, car boot sales etc. where proceeds from the operation represent a significant proportion of the organisation’s total turnover from the premises.

• The organisation must use the premises for charitable purposes, i.e.

1. the relief of poverty,
2. the advancement of religion,
3. the advancement of education,
4. other purposes beneficial to the community. 100% Relief is applied for 2 years, and then will be subject to review and evidence that the organisation continues to meet the qualifying conditions.

Discretionary Relief Type	No. of Awards	Value of Relief (£)	Cost to Council (25%) (£)
Charitable Relief 20% Top Up	166	207,803	51,951
Charitable Relief 100%	22	142,652	35,663
Rural Rates Relief 100%	66	196,894	49,224
Sports Relief 100%	104	336,458	84,114
Total	358	883,807	220,952

10) Data Use – what happens to my data?  

A privacy notice will be published with the survey. Personal data is collected and handled securely, in line with data protection law. 

  

11) Getting in touch     

If you have any questions, contact [email protected]