There are 42 specific options that could help bridge South Lanarkshire Council’s £20.7 million projected budget gap for 2024-25.

They have been put up for discussion by council officers, ahead of Elected Members having to agree a budget, which is likely to happen in the New Year.

Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “Make no mistake – no-one wants to see cuts to council services. But councillors of all political groups are going to have to make some difficult decisions, because the simple fact is that we are no longer getting the funding we need to continue to do all the good work we want to.

“What’s important now is that we hear the views of local residents and service users. More than 2,000 people have already taken part in an initial budget consultation and now we hope they will tell us what they think about the specific savings options that are now on the table.”

With £3.3m in savings already identified from management and operational measures, the 42 additional options highlight £15.3m potential further savings across community and enterprise, housing, social work, education and finance and corporate resources.

Local authorities are waiting for details of funding that will be available to deliver the Scottish Government’s planned Council Tax freeze and how that might also help bridge the budget gap. In total a shortfall of £95.8m has been identified for the council over the next four years.

The new survey can be found online. You can also take part by emailing the team or posting responses to Budget Consultation, Floor 4, South Lanarkshire Council, Almada Street, Hamilton ML3 0AA.

Paper copies of the survey can be requested via the same email and postal address.

The survey will remain open until midnight on Friday 12 January 2024.