Today, Friday 17 October, Dumfries and Galloway Council has launched its Budget Consultation 26/27 – inviting residents, colleagues and partners to have their say on a range of savings and income-generation options before councillors set next year’s budget.
Like councils across Scotland, the council is managing significant financial pressures. Rising costs and growing demand for services mean every pound must stretch further while funding is not keeping pace.
Dumfries and Galloway Council has already made £133 million of savings over the past 16 years and now needs to find around £35 million over the next three years to balance the books and protect essential services.
Importantly, this £35 million shortfall does not include any Council Tax increases that were tentatively planned by the council for 26/27 and 2027/28. Even with the additional income from Council Tax, the council would still face a significant budget funding gap.
Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Thompson, said:
“This is a difficult financial period for local authorities all across Scotland, and our council is no exception. We need to make savings as well as look at ways to raise income while continuing to protect the vital services that support our region’s communities.
“Dumfries and Galloway councillors need to hear what matters most to people as early in the process as possible before they take significant budget decisions.”
“I would encourage everyone to submit their views either online on the simulator, by using a paper survey, or by attending one of the Community Conversation events.
This is about listening to the people of Dumfries and Galloway so that the views you submit can make a difference ”
How to take part (17 Oct–23 Nov)
- Budget Consultation online survey: consider a range of savings and income-generation options and share your views.
- Community Conversations: local drop-ins across all 12 wards (dates/locations are available on our dedicated Budget Consultation webpage).
- Paper/assisted digital: available via libraries and Customer Service Centres.
- Budget Challenge simulator: already live to help explore the trade-offs involved.
Full details, including the survey, event dates and supporting information, are available at dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/budgetconsultation. The consultation will close at midnight on Sunday 23 November.
An initial summary of consultation findings will be presented at the Full Council meeting on 11 December. Councillors will agree the 26/27 Budget at the meeting of Full Council on Thursday 26 February 2026.