COUNCIL officials are continuing to look at methods of income generation as part of the 2026/27 budget for Argyll and Bute.
A councillor queried traffic regulation orders in the area after attending a meeting in Oban, and urged officers to chase possible revenue.
An officer responded that while fees and charges are routinely increased as part of the budget, other methods of income generation are being explored.
The discussion took place at a meeting of the council’s policy and resources committee on Thursday, October 9. The council will set its budget for 2026/27 in February.
Councillor Gordon Blair (SNP, Cowal) asked: “What dialogue goes on between officers and departments regarding gaps existing in their budgets, which you are assimilating as a whole?
“An example I can use is regarding traffic regulation orders. We (Councillor Blair and other councillors) were in Oban yesterday at a planning hearing and there were about 25 vehicles parked without paying.
“This brings in about £6,500 and this is the kind of thing I want to ensure we can deal with, as the effectsofnothavingatraffic regulation order include losing revenue.
“Is there any process where we are saying to officers to chase it and get the money in?”
Carolyn Earl, the council’s interim head of financial services, responded: “Income generation is one of the four key themes we are looking at as part of our longer-term approach.
“We are looking at it over the longer term, not only what can be delivered in 2026/27, but over the next five years.
“All services are asked to bring forward options in respect of income generation and we are also looking at performance against budget.
“We would also increase fees and charges by six per cent as a matter of course, but we are looking at where there are specific opportunities to increase income.
“These will be brought forward as possible measures to balance the budget. They may have a lead-in time and might not deliver fully in 2026/27, but it is certainly a key theme.”
