The plug could be pulled on North Ayrshire Christmas lights next year if budget plans are ushered in.
A proposal to remove £35,000 from the council's finances next year could prove to be a huge blow for many communities in the region.
It’s understood that the council installs lights for all switch-ons across North Ayrshire and the proposed removal of this money would mean the council wouldn’t provide installation teams with the cost transferring to each community group that organises displays.
We told you yesterday that lollipop men and women are on the chopping block in North Ayrshire.
The council is weighing up getting rid of all school crossing patrollers as consideration is given to significant budget cuts for next year.
If the move goes ahead, the local authority would save more than £250,000 over the next two financial years – £128,642 in 2023-24 and £127,703 in 2024-25.
The local authority is facing a £14.5 million budget blackhole next year with almost £35m worth of savings to be made over the next three years.
Last week we revealed that education was being targeted as part of budget proposals with classroom cuts being considered that could see staff pushed out the door at North Ayrshire schools.
Top brass are proposing to save £1,054,799 in 2023/24 and £659,249 in 2024/25 as part of a review into “primary and secondary school staffing entitlements” to make a total saving of £1,714,048.
The Harbour Arts Centre is also in the firing line with Irvine's only music venue and theatre facing closure. Bosses would save £49,000 by closing the Harbourside facility.
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “It’s important to stress that no decisions have yet been taken on budget savings for next year.
“We will shortly be undertaking consultation across North Ayrshire which will inform us of our residents’ priorities ahead of the budget being set.
“However, across Scotland and the United Kingdom, everyone is feeling pressure from the cost-of-living crisis and the council is not immune from that.
“Over the past 12 years, we have had to find savings of more than £129 million while ensuring we protected frontline services and jobs.
“And there’s no doubt that difficult financial choices continue to lie ahead for all of us. For the financial year 2023/24, we currently anticipate a funding gap of £14.5m, while our financial outlook also indicates the council has an anticipated budget gap of £35m over the next three years.
“Rising inflation and energy costs have created additional pressures on our already challenging financial position.
“Unfortunately, that means that difficult options are likely to be considered in order for us to deliver a balanced budget.
“However, no decisions will be taken on how to achieve these savings until full council meets to consider the 2023/24 budget on March 1, 2023.”
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