People across Argyll and Bute are being invited to have their say on how health and social care funding should be prioritised as the partnership plans its budget for 2027/28.
Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has launched an online Budget Simulator, giving residents an opportunity to explore some of the choices involved in balancing the budget and to let the HSCP know which services matter most to them and their communities.
We spend over £400m per year on health and social care services for the people of Argyll and Bute. We need to make sure we consider where resources contribute to improving outcomes for people and, ultimately, improving their lives. Providing care across remote, rural, island and urban communities brings particular challenges and costs and can be more expensive.
In 2027/28 we expect to have £11 million (3% of our budget) less to spend. This means we need to make savings, or change priorities, while continuing to provide safe and effective care across our mainland and island communities.
The HSCP provides care from pre-birth through to end of life and wants local people to help inform how available resources should be used.
The Budget Simulator enables people to consider their priorities and see the potential impact of those choices.
Feedback will help the HSCP better understand what local people value, where they believe resources should be prioritised and what the potential impact of changes could be as budget plans are developed.
Evan Beswick, Chief Officer for Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, said:
“We face some difficult financial choices as we plan for 2027/28, and it is important that people across Argyll and Bute have an opportunity to contribute to that conversation.
“Every day, health and social care services support people, families and communities across a large and diverse area. We want to understand which services people value most and hear their views on how we can make the best use of the resources available.
“The Budget Simulator gives people an opportunity to see some of the choices we face and consider the potential impact of them. There are no easy answers, which is exactly why the views of our communities are so important.
“I would encourage people to take part, share their priorities and tell us what they think.”
Your experience Matters
The Budget Simulator is open from 9/11/2026 to 21/12/26. You can access the budget simulator online at: abhscp.budgetsimulator.com
Responses submitted through the simulator are anonymous.
If you would like to participate but need a different format you can request this by calling 01546 605517 or emailing hscpcommunication@argyll-bute.gov.uk