Council Budget

The Council's draft budget was published in November 2012, giving you the opportunity to have your say on how we spend money, several months before budget day.

On 7 February Council agreed the 2013/14 budget, taking into consideration the feedback received during consultation. You can still watch the budget meeting which was webcast on 7 February. You can also read the main report on the budget engagement.

To fund growing demands on Council services and provide additional spend on our buildings, the approved budget needed to deliver a further £14 million of savings. The total savings the Council needs to make are around £100 million over the next five years.

In agreeing the budget for 2013/14, issues such as the financial impact of the UK-wide Welfare Reform changes and an increasing elderly population were considered. In addition, there continues to be a reduction in central government funding, increased demand for some council services and a continued Scottish Government commitment to freezing Council Tax.

The Council's money

The Council has a budget of around £1 billion, including money from fees and charges for services. Where does this come from?

• 48% from the Scottish Government
• 30% from non-domestic rates from Edinburgh businesses
• 22% from Council Tax.

Council Budget 2013/14 agreed

Decisions in this year's budget focus on delivering the Council's six key priorities:

• ensuring Edinburgh, and its residents, are well cared-for
• providing for Edinburgh's economic growth and prosperity
• ensuring every child in Edinburgh has the best start in life
• maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in Edinburgh
• becoming more efficient.