Council reveals budget options to address funding gap. Prioritizing services like libraries and Eglinton Park.
However, changes are still coming. School crossing guards will be reduced. Teaching positions are getting cut, too. Council fees will be going up. They need to close a £16 million funding gap.
They considered some other ideas earlier. Parking fees and bin charges were options. They also thought about less trash collection. Over 4,400 people responded to the discussion. The council then decided what to save.
They will use £4 million from reserves. The goal is to balance the whole budget. Here are the proposed savings they’re thinking about. A council tax increase is one idea.
The council tax might go up seven percent. This could generate about £7 million. It includes money from second homes, as well. They aim to avoid forced layoffs of teachers. Yet, some teaching jobs may still disappear.
They might move staff around instead. Maybe they will not replace people who leave. This could result in a loss of 28 teaching posts. It saves nearly £1.2 million.
They’re also looking at school crossing guards. Reports suggest some might be removed. This could cut 6.2 full-time positions. It gives the council savings of £92,000.
KA Leisure service will have a review. They’re trying to save over £300,000. The review covers facility usage and costs. They might change opening hours at each place. Pricing for sports and swimming may change.
Lastly, many council fees will increase. School meal costs are the exception. Licensing applications will cost more. Venue rentals will see a rise, too. These increases would save above £210,000.