SNP budget protects key services in North Ayrshire. Arran Centre, Rangers, and Libraries are all safe!
The plan keeps some things free. Town center parking will be free. Brown bin collections continue too. Waste collection will stay the same. These services faced cuts last year.
Labour council members also oppose cuts. It seems the center, rangers, and libraries will survive. The full council votes on the budget soon. The meeting is on February 26.
The group needs five extra votes for their plan. They are happy to propose this budget. The council faces big financial issues. They must save £16 million next year.
Christina Larsen spoke about the budget. She said National Insurance costs add pressure. These costs come from the UK government. She sees it as a tax hurting communities.
The tax impacts local service investments a lot. This change equals a 4% council tax rise. However, Scotland gave North Ayrshire more money. This helps with the 2025/26 budget.
Scotland gave councils £144m extra funding. This softens the UK cuts impact much. This lets them reverse some changes. People spoke up during the budget talk.
The group listened to the residents’ input. The Scottish money helped them reverse cuts. This is only for this year, at least, she added.