Yesterday councillors agreed to continue discussions on the 2025-26 budget while a public consultation exercise is carried out over the next two months.

And today Councillor Joe Fagan explains in a new short film why it is vital that views are heard on 24 savings options that have been prepared by council officers.

Cllr Fagan says: “It is for you and your family and neighbours that we run local schools, maintain roads, collect your rubbish, give social care to our elderly citizens – and so many more services. And many of them are at risk.

“They are at risk because the government funding your council receives to provide those services has not kept up with the demand for them, or the cost of delivering them.

“In the last few years we have already had to cut more than £150m from what we spend. Now we must find millions more to balance our budget for next year. That means the councillors you elected will be forced to make some incredibly difficult decisions.”

The council’s budget strategy has identified a £77m budget gap in the next three years. The 24 savings options would contribute £11.894m next year.

Views can be registered by taking part in an online survey, by emailing the team or by posting responses to Budget Consultation, Floor 4, South Lanarkshire Council, Almada Street, Hamilton ML3 0AA.

The report from yesterday's committee can be accessed via the council website.