The council has utilised £3.1 million from uncommitted reserves to ensure frontline services are protected and can continue to operate for residents, and has also allocated £250,000 from its general reserves on a one-off basis to assist in alleviating the financial insecurities of those most in need.

The Scottish Government have provided an additional £2.6m of non-recurring funding, but despite this, the council still faces the situation where costs continue to rise due to inflation, and its funding doesn’t take these factors into account.

Councillors have also agreed an investment of £88.175m for vital services delivered by the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership. This is an increase of 11% on last year, and means local residents can continue to grow well, live well, and age well.

South Ayrshire Council is also investing £6.6m in education, which will help it to continue to close the attainment gap in South Ayrshire and make sure children and young people have the best possible start in life.

The council is building a better South Ayrshire for future generations with its commitment to a green recovery, and is investing £1.8m in a brand new, net-zero building in Girvan. It is also going cleaner and greener with a further investment in electric fleet vehicles.

The continued shared investment with the UK and Scottish governments of £91.2m until 2030 in the Aerospace and Space Programme of the Ayrshire Growth Deal will boost Scotland’s space industry ambitions, create an important strategic asset for the UK, and most importantly help to improve the local economy.

The council is continuing its commitment to Capital Investment, and £460m will be allocated to a range of projects from 2022/23 to 2033/34. This investment covers projects including an extension to the Early Years Centre at the Space Place in Prestwick, an upgrade to the science department at Kyle Academy, and a brand-new gym facility at Prestwick Swimming Pool.

The new Maybole Community Campus, Prestwick North Education Campus, and Sacred Heart Primary School in Girvan are all set to open their doors to pupils later this year.

The council’s funding also allows for investment in projects within a range of other programmes, including Community Facilities, ICT and the Ayrshire Roads Alliance.

Following a review of a number of options, councillors made the decision to increase Council Tax by 2.9%.

Households in bands A-D, and those in bands E-F who are entitled to a Council Tax reduction will receive £150 rebate for 2022/23, funded by the Scottish Government. This will be included in eligible Council Tax bills for next year.

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Peter Henderson, said: “We have again delivered a balanced budget that will help us to continue to make a difference to the people of South Ayrshire.

“We face new challenges every step of the way as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but I’m confident that we have allocated our resources to ensure our priorities are not compromised.

“The decision to raise Council Tax is not one that was taken lightly. I know that the increase may not be welcomed, however, we have reviewed every possible option, and it is a vital step to protect our essential services and allow us to continue to be there for the people who need us most.”

Depute leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Brian McGinley, added: “I’m pleased that we have been able to deliver a fair budget that demonstrates our continued commitment to investing in our communities.

“Although we have had to make some difficult decisions, we will continue to invest in services that will ensure South Ayrshire is one of the best places to live, work or visit.

“We have performed our very best to keep increases below inflation and are very mindful of the additional financial burdens being placed on residents. The council is committed to developing longer term financial plans to help ensure more stable and sustainable local funding cycles going forward.”