Views sought before Moray budget cuts

Residents in Moray can have their say on proposed budget cuts at a series of upcoming drop-in sessions.

These are being held in libraries in Aberlour, Forres, Buckie, Fochabers, Elgin, Lossiemouth and Keith, from 15 – 25 October:

Aberlour library Monday 15 October 10am – 7pm

Forres library Tuesday 16 October 10am – 7pm

Buckie library Wednesday 17 October 10am – 7pm

Fochabers library Monday 22 October 10am – 7pm

Elgin library Tuesday 23 October 10am – 7pm

Lossiemouth library Wednesday 24 October 10am – 7pm

Keith library Thursday 25 October 10am – 7pm

Moray Council staff will be on hand to hear thoughts on the proposals and listen to any ideas from residents and community groups on how services could be delivered differently while still saving the authority money. All suggestions and comments will be fed back to councillors before the final budget is agreed.

Budget cut proposals to be discussed include:

• Reducing opening hours for out-of-Elgin access points

• Reducing grounds maintenance for older cemeteries

• Reducing grass-cutting on rural pathways including the Speyside Way

• Reducing grass-cutting, litter collection & shrub bed maintenance in public parks

• Reducing library opening hours

• Closing Elgin Community Centre, Cooper Park Bowling Pavilion and Falconer Museum

Engagement will look at ways the impact of these cuts could be minimised, including preferred opening hours; can some services be delivered by the community and could any more of the buildings be transferred to the community.

It comes after councillors last month gave the go-ahead to progress with more than £5 million of savings in the next financial year, in a bid to balance its 2019/20 budget.

More information on the proposals can be found online here