FIFE Council Leader David Ross has thanked Fifers for their input to the council's consultation on spending priorities over the last few months.

Over 2,800 residents took part in the consultation over December and January when they were invited to share their views on council spending, how it is prioritised, how the council could save money and council tax levels.

The information gathered will be used to inform budget proposals, service plans, policy development and further engagement to explore specific issues.

Cllr Ross welcomed the news so many Fifers had taken the time to get involved: "Thanks to everyone who gave their views online and to over 380 people who took part in 34 facilitated conversations across Fife.

"We continue to live in challenging times and, like all councils, Fife is experiencing a rising demand for services, particularly as the cost of living continues to impact people and families across the Kingdom.

"We need to do more over the next few years to balance the books and protect our strong financial position for the future. The results of this consultation will help us in our discussions around our budget for 2026-27 - feedback and help us consider service plans beyond that."

Last year, the council spent over £528 million on education, schools and childcare - and £249m on health and social care. Together these services use over two thirds of the council’s total budget.

And according to the survey results the majority of people feel these are still the most important areas for council spending. There was strong public support for helping children and young people achieve more in school, improving health and wellbeing for all and helping increase household income.

The top three specific priorities for investment should be road repairs, home care packages and school building improvements according to correspondents.

Savings ideas including better use of technology in frontline services, changing office opening hours and review pricing concessions also received strong support.

Added Cllr Ross: "We will carefully consider all the feedback given and all options as to how we spend or save."

Final budget decisions will be taken at a meeting of the Full Council on February 26. The full survey report is published at www.fife.gov.uk/councilspending