South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) is listening to local people as the organisation reviews leisure and culture provision, seeking feedback on the services provided as is aims to maintain the health and wellbeing of residents.

It is also engaging with other stakeholders in the areas of sport and leisure, culture, libraries, and health to consider potential options regarding the SLLC Budget for the financial year 2024/25, but a vital part of the process is considering the opinions of local people.

The first phase of the consultation has been completed, and the initial budget consultation responses can be viewed online.

Phase Two will now run during January, and asks for views on options that SLLC has developed following the responses to Phase One. In addition, residents’ opinions are being sought on what is important to them regarding leisure and cultural services.

South Lanarkshire Council has also engaged in an extensive consultation process regarding its range of services, and is currently in the second phase of its consultation, seeking input on various cost-saving measures to address its budget shortfall for 2024-25.

One of the options for consideration by the council is the reduction of SLLC’s budget by £1.5million and this, together with SLLC’s own existing pressures that require to be managed, will result in a reduction in services including withdrawing from certain locations or reducing the level of service provided in some areas.

It is therefore helpful to those offering their opinion if the South Lanarkshire Council budget consultation is completed online first, which then allows a better understanding for completing the SLLC survey online.