The Latest Breaking News from Donald Forrest

West Council could be £94m in the red within 10 years

The local authority said there are many risks involved when predicting the budget shortfall

Daily Record · Jul 11, 2023

West Lothian facing 'worst case' budget gap of £94m in a decade

After 15 years and £150m of cuts the next ten years could see the budget gap for the council climb to £94m with the attendant knock to services

Edinburgh Live · Jul 7, 2023

Calls for fund to tackle costly repairs of crumbling buildings

Substandard material has been found in school roofs and in the condemned Deans South Housing estate

Daily Record · Jun 23, 2023

Use of all West Lothian swimming pools to be reviewed in cost cutting probe

Swimming pools incur huge energy costs but officials insist the energy saving review is 'holistic' and focuses on maximising use of all council buildings

Edinburgh Live · Feb 7, 2023

West Lothian libraries, swimming pools and community centres could close to balance budget

A review of all facilities is underway as the council seeks to plug budget black hole

Daily Record · Jan 30, 2023

West Lothian libraries, swimming pools and community centres facing closure

Four libraries have been identified as part of a council review which includes swimming pools and community centres, as councillors have to make tough decisions in their budget next month.

Edinburgh Live · Jan 27, 2023

Council tax could rise by 4.5 per cent to tackle 'unprecedented' financial crisis

The council would still face a funding gap of more than £47m even with the steep increase

Daily Record · Jan 26, 2023

West Lothian council tax rise of 4.5% needed to face 'unprecedented' budget gap

Budget decisions will be taken at the end of February and council committees are considering the costs. If agreed a 4.5% rise will take place for the next five years.

Edinburgh Live · Jan 26, 2023

West Lothian welfare fund demand soaring as councillors call for more support

Running costs for the Holyrood fund cost are double what the Scottish Government gives the council to administer

Edinburgh Live · Dec 13, 2022

'Staff cuts, council tax hikes and services slashed' as budget black hole widens by £10m in just four months

Councillors will have to consider cutbacks in staffing, hikes in the council tax and diminished services across

Daily Record · Dec 9, 2022