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Results of Public Consultation Our Budget Challenge - Have your say
24 February 2026
Orkney Islands Council launched a public survey on the 6 December 2025 and originally ran until 12 January 2026. This timeline was extended by a week to encourage more participants due to the adverse weather at the start of the year. This survey was used to gather local views on potential changes to Council services and charges. These views will help inform the Council’s budget setting process for 2026/2027.
The consultation received 554 completed responses. Results are presented in the following pages, including feedback summaries for each question.
The survey demographics are provided as an appendix at the end of the document.
Related resources
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2026/27 Budget Survey Analysis
This document contains the results of Orkney Islands Council’s public consultation on proposed budget changes for 2026/27, based on 554 completed responses. Respondents generally supported using reserves to protect core services, while views were divided on Council Tax and service charges. There was stronger support for keeping school meals, youth clubs and burial services affordable, but more acceptance of charges for specialised services. Comments also called for better value for money, clearer information, protection for vulnerable households and visitor contributions.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.