The leader of South Lanarkshire Council has delivered a new year message to residents.
Councillor Joe Fagan spoke to people in a video and said that “there are reasons now to be optimistic for what 2025 will bring”.
He was speaking about achieving “fairer funding” for local government and believes that progress is being made.
And he asked people to get involved with the “difficult budget decisions” that lie ahead by taking part in the council’s consultation process.
Cllr Fagan, of Labour, wished people “the very best” for 2025 and said: “At this time of year we traditionally look back and reflect on the 12 months that have passed.
“We celebrate the achievements of out schools, our young people, our workers and our community.
“And we think about the challenging times too, and we hope for better in the new year, because Hogmanay is a time for optimism and there are grounds to believe that things will get better in 2025.
“Your council still has difficult budget decisions to make, and we are looking for your help to make them through our budget consultation.
“The choices aren’t easy but might not be just as hard as in the recent past
“The picture for public spending is improving across the UK.
“In Scotland, local government stood our ground, and we think we are making progress in our efforts to secure fairer funding.
“And I’d also argue that your council made some difficult but sensible decisions for the long term in years gone by, even when gripped by austerity.
“We’re not out of the woods yet, there’s a lot of work still to be done, but there are reasons now to be optimistic for what 2025 will bring South Lanarkshire – a better future to hope for and to work for
“So once again, I want to wish you the very best for the rest of the festive season and a very happy new year.”
Proposals have been tabled for the council’s next budget – and residents can still get involved.
In particular, views are being sought on 24 options that would save up to £11.894 million in 2025-26.
The options were pulled together by council officers following the most recent budget strategy report, which identified a budget gap of more than £77m over the next three financial years. Before decisions are taken by councillors, local residents and service users can tell them what they think by taking part in an online survey as well as by email or by post.
The consultation will run until midnight on Friday, January 17. As well as online, you can take part by emailing the team at [email protected] or post responses to Budget Consultation, South Lanarkshire Council, Floor 4, Almada Street, Hamilton ML3 0AA.
Paper copies of the survey can be requested via the same email and postal address. The report can be accessed via the council website.
Cllr Fagan added: “Every year we ask our local residents for their views and we always take into account what they say.”
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.