COUNCILLORS could get their first glimpse of savings proposals for Argyll and Bute in 2027/28 in October, an official has said as an almost £11 million gap is forecast.
The authority is halfway through the current financial year, with work already underway to set its next budget in February.
A report stated that a mid-range budget gap of over £17m was being forecast for 2027/28, reducing to £10.98m after theoretical measures to balance the budget.
These include a potential six per cent increase in fees and charges, and a possible five per cent increase in council tax.
A councillor asked that savings options were presented at “the earliest opportunity possible” to allow consideration by councillors.
The discussion took place at a meeting of the council’s policy and resources committee on Thursday, August 20.
Councillor Amanda Hampsey (Reform UK, Oban South and the Isles) said: “Given the scale of that position, when will members begin to receive savings or policy options?
“And what opportunity will there be to shape these proposals before the process reaches a point where meaningful choices become quite limited?”
Executive director Kirsty Flanagan responded: “Work has already started on preparing for the budget next year. We are looking at developing a pipeline of savings where we can.
“We have had two budget working group meetings where some proposals have been presented, but I cannot confirm when we will bring some forward to a public committee.
“It will possibly be October or December, but it is getting increasingly difficult now to come up with some savings proposals. It is getting harder each year.”
Councillor Hampsey said: “The earliest opportunity possible would be very much appreciated, especially given those circumstances.”
Council tax went up in Argyll and Bute by 9.7 per cent in 2026/27, with opposition councillors having proposed to increase it by 4.9 per cent.
