Consultation to be launched on Falkirk budget

Falkirk Council is set to ask people for their views on next year's budget.

The local authority is facing a budget gap of £8.1 million next year.

A report suggests council tax could rise by more than 11%.

The report says the council is at "high risk" of not achieving financial sustainability.

The local authority is to ask people for their views on their upcoming spending plans.

A consultation will be launched this month.

A post on Falkirk Council's Participate+ site says:

"Every year, decisions are made about how money is used across the Falkirk Council area.

That's what a budget is: a plan for where money comes from, how Council Tax is set, and how money is spent. That budget affects many parts of everyday life. It helps pay for the services people use and rely on, including schools, roads, bins, libraries, parks, care and support, and keeping buildings and public spaces working.

The Council has to make choices each year. Costs are rising, and not all money can be used in the same way. Some money can only be spent on big one-off projects, like new buildings. Other money has to cover day-to-day costs, like staff and services.

That's where you come in.

We want to understand what local people think is important, what they value most, and what you think should come first as decisions are made."