Kenneth Lawrie, Chief Executive said:

Hi everyone, 

Last week, councillors agreed the Council’s budget for the year ahead. 
 
I want to take a moment to explain what that means for the Council and for the services we provide to our communities. 
 
This year’s budget marks a significant step forward. For the first time in a number of years, the Council has been able to set a balanced revenue budget without relying on any significant use of reserves or non-recurring funding.  
 
That has been a long-standing ambition for the organisation and reaching this point reflects years of hard work across the council, improving and transforming services and making significant savings. 
 
It means we are now in a more stable financial position and better placed to plan for the future, though there are still many challenges ahead. 
 
The agreed budget allows us to continue delivering the services that residents rely on every day. It also allows us to invest in important priorities across the council area. 
 
This includes support for social care through the Integration Joint Board, new investment in services that support vulnerable people and families, and in local neighbourhoods to help make them cleaner and more pleasant places to live.

The budget also supports continued investment in our infrastructure and assets, which are essential to the long-term wellbeing of our communities. 
 
While significant financial pressures remain across public services and future years’ budgets will continue to mean difficult choices, this budget represents real progress for the Council. It gives us a stronger foundation for the years ahead. 
 
As always, this organisation succeeds because of the excellent and dedicated work of employees across all services. I want to thank you for the vital work you do every day, supporting our communities.