Stark choices for West Lothian public in council budget options

West Lothian residents have been warned the council are facing stark choices that could include school closures, cuts to the school week, ending subsidised bus services and the closure of public libraries and toilets.

- by Stuart Sommerville

The potential cuts have been outlined in a public consultation as the council looks prepare its budget for the next two years.

And it highlights the potential for cuts across the board in jobs and services, as well as increasing charges, as it asks for public help to identify where it can cut £23m from its spending in the next two years.

The underlying message is blunt: "Doing nothing is not an option... there are no easy decisions."

The document adds: "we will be guided by your views."

The consultation published on Thursday asks residents, staff and partners to share their views on how the council should respond to the financial challenge.

Staffing cuts, recruitment freezes and service mergers could potentially save £940,000.