LOCAL people are being given the chance to have their say on how Scottish Borders Council should prioritise its budget over the next four years with the launch of a budget simulator.

The online tool at https://scotborders.budgetsimulator.com gives Borderers the challenge of balancing the books, with a budget of just over £252m per year to be distributed across the Council’s main areas, covering services such as education, social work and roads.

The budget challenge is all part of the consultation on the Administration’s draft revenue budget for the next five years, which aims to make savings of almost £29m by the end of 2019/20. The information provided by residents will help the Council decide where more or less money will be spent.

Council Leader David Parker said: “We are living in a difficult economic environment and at the same time, more demands are being placed on the Council than ever before.

“To meet this challenge, the complex management of our finances is a year-round process and is a vital part of ensuring that the Council can continue to deliver and invest in high quality public services and meet a wide range of statutory duties.

“The budget simulator is a great way for local people to engage in the consultation process on our draft budget. It is a very simple tool to use, with people able to move sliders to give us an idea about the areas where they would like the Council to spend more, or less money.” In addition to the budget simulator, people are also being asked to submit their views to the budget team on the draft proposals which were being considered at the Council meeting yesterday (Thursday). The feedback gathered will be considered as the budget process develops and will be reported to Councillors with the budget papers in February.

The Council is continuing to progress with its transformation programme, which aims to make significant changes to the way services are delivered to make the Council operate more efficiently and effectively. By undertaking these projects now, the Council will also be in a better position to meet any future challenges.

In February the Council will be asked to approve a one year revenue budget and an indicative budget for four more years. In addition, the Council’s Capital Plan will be put forward for agreement, which is based on a three-year operational plan and an outline seven-year strategic plan.

For more information visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/budget and to give your feedback on the draft proposals email budgetteam@scotborders.gov.uk The budget simulator is available either from the Council website or by visiting https://scotborders.budgetsimulator.com