THERE is still time to have your say on North Ayrshire Council’s budget engagement, with more than 3,000 responses already submitted.

The public survey launched as the local authority faces up to its most challenging budget ever.

A budget gap of up to £16 million is expected for 2025/26 and significant savings will be required to deliver balanced books.

A variety of controversial options have been proposed, including many which have been discussed in previous years or voted down in the council chambers on prior occasions.

Among the suggested moves are the removal of dozens of teaching roles, the introduction of town centre car parking charges, the closure of the Arran Outdoor Centre, shutting six local libraries and the planned implementation of an annual garden waste collection fee.

There are also plans to cut back the school crossing patrol service.

To ensure communities have the opportunity to make their voices heard, the council has been sharing a number of surveys, asking questions about some of the services it provides.

Chief executive Craig Hatton said: “We are very encouraged with the volume and quality of responses we have received so far.

“There’s no doubt that we face some difficult choices when we set the budget next year.

“So please, if you haven’t already done so, take a few moments to visit our website and fill out the surveys before the closing date of Monday, November 25.”

You can take part in the online surveys at north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Budget2025.

The surveys are grouped in five sections:

  • Community facilities and car parking
  • Waste services
  • Schools and related services for children and young people
  • Taxes and levies
  • Service delivery

Paper copies of the surveys are also available in local libraries and KA Leisure facilities. Alternatively, residents can call the council’s contact centre on 01294 310000 and the surveys can be filled in over the phone.

The contact centre is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4.45pm and Friday from 9am to 4.30pm.

In addition, council officers have been holding meetings with community groups and stakeholders to gather their views on how any changes might impact them.

The feedback received during this engagement will help inform councillors when they meet early in 2025 to set the Budget.