The new simulator, available now at dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/budgetconsultation – invites people across the region to take part in a virtual exercise to identify £12 million in savings – the equivalent of one year’s share of the council’s overall £35 million savings target over the next three years.
The Budget Challenge asks participants to move digital ‘sliders’ – including one that lets you adjust Council Tax levels – to protect or reduce budgets across key service areas, or to generate additional income. It gives an insight into the complex trade-offs councillors must make when setting a balanced budget.
This activity is part of the council’s early engagement ahead of the formal Budget Consultation 2026/27, which will launch on Friday 17 October and run for five weeks until Sunday 23 November.
The consultation will gather views on a range of savings and income-generation options before councillors make decisions in February 2026.
Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Thompson, said:
“The Budget Challenge helps to illustrate the difficult decisions that come with setting a balanced budget against financial pressures.
“Like all councils across Scotland, additional employer costs, inflationary pressures and increasing demand for services have put significant strain on the current funding model. Dumfries and Galloway Council is open about the challenge and wants to hear directly from you.
“This is to encourage people to take a few minutes and try the simulator. Along with the financial figures it shows the impact that making savings or changing Council Tax levels have on the services or across the system.
“By taking part now, you can help shape the discussion before the formal Budget Consultation opens on 17 October. Every view submitted will help to better understand what matters most to the people of our region.”
The council anticipates needing to find around £35 million in savings or new income over the next three years, on top of £133 million already saved since 2009. 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.
Councillors have agreed to consult early and openly so that residents, communities and partners can help shape priorities before any decisions are made.
The simulator will remain open until the close of the formal consultation on 23 November. Feedback from responses will be shared with councillors as part of the evidence base informing the 2026/27 budget-setting process.
More information about the upcoming Budget Consultation is available at: dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/budgetconsultation