West Lothian Council is facing the most challenging set of financial circumstances since its establishment in 1996. The impact of constrained funding coupled with high inflation over a prolonged period has exacerbated the councils level of financial pressures and risks. Very substantial budget savings will be required by the council over future years to meet its statutory duty to set a balanced budget whilst meeting growing demands in core services. From May 2024-December 2024, Management Committees and the community will be faced with an important decision on the future community centre model. We have been offered three options to allow for the continuation of activities in Newton.
Find out about the three options:
We are also able to provide alternative solutions to the three options that West Lothian Council have proposed. If you have any ideas as to potential solutions, please get in touch with us using our contact form, or the email address provided. The management committee cannot make this decision alone – community engagement is vital. We want to ensure that the community centre is there for generations to come and to do that we would love for you to be involved.
Financial Information
The management committee are currently reviewing financial information and hope to present this to the community at the community information meeting.
Our Timeline
May 2024: Management committee attends information evening, AGM held, 2024-2025 committee is formed.
June: First committee meeting and formation of subgroup. The subgroup met twice through June and developed a communication strategy and a financial review of each option began.
July 24th: Management Committee meets to discuss communication proposal. Subgroup meets to discuss plans for community meeting.
July 31st: Begin to disseminate information to the community, local business and centre users.
August 7th: Sub-Group meeting, 7.30 Newton Community Centre
August 15th: Approach user groups and local businesses to initiate discussions
August 21st: NCEA Management Committee Meeting, 7:30, Newton Community Centre/Sub-Group meeting, 9pm Newton Community Centre.
August 26th/September 2nd: Management Committee representatives to attend information meeting
September 9th: Proposed date for Newton Community Information Evening
