Residents would rather end free food caddy liners over closing recycling centres in latest Dumfries and Galloway Council consultation

Residents in Dumfries and Galloway have expressed their preferences in a recent council consultation which highlighted their choices between various cost-cutting measures. According to the findings, individuals within the community are more inclined towards discontinuing the provision of free food caddy liners and stopping the administration of staff flu vaccines, rather than closing down recycling centres or reducing the number of additional support for learning (ASL) teachers.

The public consultation, which closed last Friday, received over 4,500 responses, making it one of the largest engagements with council consultations. The feedback will be presented at the upcoming full council meeting on Thursday. Dumfries and Galloway Council aims to save £10 million annually over the next three years and sought opinions on nearly 50 potential cost-saving options.

Among the most popular choices were ceasing the distribution of free food caddy liners, which could save £16,000 per year, and terminating the enhanced flu vaccination programme for school staff, saving £25,000 annually. Other favoured options included reducing council management, installing solar panels at specific locations, and eliminating unauthorised additional bins.

Conversely, proposals to decrease the number of ASL teachers, close recycling centres, or reduce the leisure facility estate, including shutting down Castle Douglas swimming pool, received less support from the public. The report emphasised the heightened awareness among citizens, employees, customers, and partners regarding the financial challenges faced by the council.

The next phase involves the council’s political groups reviewing the feedback to formulate budget proposals for 2025/26 and subsequent years. Detailed impact assessments on each option and each political group’s budget proposal will be carried out by council officials.

In conclusion, the residents of Dumfries and Galloway have actively participated in voicing their opinions on potential cost-saving measures, showcasing a collective awareness and engagement in addressing the financial constraints faced by the local council. The forthcoming decisions and budget proposals will reflect the community’s preferences and priorities in sustaining essential services while ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficiency.