South Ayrshire Councillors to receive an update on latest budget gap position

At the meeting of South Ayrshire Council on Thursday 19 February 2026, councillors will receive an update on the latest budget gap position.  The Council's final budget gap is based on last month's Local Government settlement and recent changes to other contributing factors.   

An updated Medium Term Financial Plan will also be considered by councillors on 19 February. 

Savings proposals and potential Council Tax rises will therefore be considered at a further meeting of South Ayrshire Council on Thursday 5 March when the council's 2026/27 budget will be set.  

South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Finance and Corporate Services, Councillor Ian Davis said: "As we approach the setting of the Council's 20276/27 budget, we are facing an increasingly difficult financial landscape.  Central government funding has not kept pace with rising demand and inflationary pressures, which leaves the Council with limited room to manoeuvre. 

"Our priority remains to protect frontline services for our residents. However, to sustain these services we will have to consider a combination of savings proposals and difficult decisions around Council Tax.  Any decisions we make will not be made lightly but will be necessary to preserve the services our communities rely on every day." 

You can watch both meetings live online at south-ayrshire.public-i.tv/core/portal/home  

Council meeting papers can be found at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/committeepapers