Why do you choose to live and work in Argyll and Bute? What council services are most important in attracting people to the area – and which ones do you use the most? People across Argyll and Bute are being encouraged to answer these and other questions as Argyll and Bute Council launches its ‘Planning our Future’ consultation on Monday 19th January.

Councillor Dick Walsh, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, explains: “Argyll and Bute has an economy full of opportunities. To make sure we realise those opportunities, we need to attract more people and more jobs to the area. This aim – to build our economy on a growing population – is shared by the council and our partners and set out in the local Single Outcome Agreement.

"No single organisation will achieve future prosperity alone. Argyll and Bute Council is committed to doing all that we as a council can do. This means investing for growth to build prosperity.

"We set a two-year budget last year, giving us this time of financial stability to plan for the future. We need to make choices about our future investment and service delivery.

"Everyone has a part to play in securing a prosperous future for Argyll and Bute, and that is why we would like to hear people’s views on how we can bring more people to visit, live and work in the area; how best to invest in our future; and what services matter most to you.

“I would encourage everyone who cares about Argyll and Bute’s future to take the time to have your say and get involved in planning our future – your future – together.”

At its Policy and Resources Committee meeting on 18 December 2014, the council agreed a suite of actions focused on investing for growth and income, and developing infrastructure.

It also agreed a process for making service choices. The scale of financial challenge – given inflation, cost and demand pressures and funding changes - means that the council will have to save between £27.5 and £37.5 million over five years, starting in 2016/17.

The first phase of the Planning our Future consultation starts on Monday 19th January and runs until Friday 20 February. It will be available online at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/planningourfuture. Printed surveys will be in libraries and Customer Service Points.