Budget summits to decide savings plan

A SERIES of "budget summits" are to be held in the Capital as city chiefs draw up plans to make at least £90 million of savings in the next three years.

The summits start next week in what council chiefs are describing as an "unprecedented engagement programme".

The news comes ahead of councillors being asked to approve a first phase of savings totalling more than 16m next week.

The savings include a plan to slash Edinburgh Leisure's budget by another 347,000, a move that is expected to lead to up to four sports facilities across the city being closed down.

The six local summits will be followed by a city-wide summit at the Scotsman Publications headquarters on Holyrood Road.

Council leader Jenny Dawe said: "Working with the people of Edinburgh to address the stark economic situation we face will help us make better decisions.

"It will not be possible to take on board all views. The administration will, however, listen and learn throughout the process to make sure that we identify the right council priorities."

The first summit takes place on Wednesday at the St Bride's Community Centre. Further summits are planned for Davidson's Mains Parish Church on September 22, Southside Community Centre on September 23, Royal High Primary School on September 29, Drylaw Church on October 5 and Drummond Community High School on October 6.

The city-wide summit is on October 15.

To register for an event, e-mail [email protected].