Budget Engagement 2025/26 - Survey and Information Sessions

*Please note: the Budget Engagement Sessions listed below are open to everyone and you are welcome to attend ANY of them that suit. We hope to see you there.

Falkirk Council is currently spending more money than it receives from the Government, Council Tax and income. We estimate this gap is £62.5M, equivalent to around 1,000 employees.

This estimate is based on a 5% increase in Council Tax each year. Falkirk Council currently has one of the lowest Council Tax rates in Scotland. The Council will aim to provide services in new, innovative and more cost-effective ways. However, if the Council is going to close this gap it will need a mix of higher Council Tax increases, increased fees and charges, and reductions or closure of services.

For those who receive Council Tax Reduction benefits, an increase in Council Tax will be covered by increased benefits.

A 1% increase in Council Tax raises an extra £800,000 in income per year for the Council. The Council provides a wide range of services. Some examples of how much these services cost the Council are noted below. Costs associated with delivery services are measured and calculated in different ways to allow comparisons to be made at a national level for example.

To bridge the budget gap of £62.5m, no area of service provision within the Council can be fully protected. Each service area is likely to face some level of funding reduction. However, the more Council Tax goes up the more services can be protected from larger reductions.

Please note that this survey does not include Housing Services which are subject to a separate statutory consultation process.

A number of information events are being held in August across the Council area. Please see below for further details and to register your interest.

If you have any queries about the survey, please email us at budget@falkirk.gov.uk