A PUBLIC consultation on Argyll and Bute Council’s budget priorities for the coming financial year ends in just a few days.

The authority has asked local residents for their views on which of the council’s services matter most to them as it aims to close a budget gap that is estimated to be between £4 million and £13.1m in 2017-18 alone.

The 'Planning Our Future' consultation ends on Monday, January 9.

The council has already agreed a range of efficiency savings worth £1.4m that don’t have to be put to a vote, but the full package of proposed budget cuts is unlikely to be revealed until the authority meets next month to set its budget.

Last year’s public survey included a detailed list of more than 140 potential savings options for people to give their views, but no similar list has been produced this time.

A spokesperson said: “One year Scottish Government funding settlements, and little time between receiving funding information and having to set a budget, all makes budget planning difficult.

"We used responses to last year’s consultation to make £2.5 million savings for 2017/18.

"We want to do all possible to preserve services and jobs. We will identify additional savings therefore based on the facts of our funding (announced in December), and community priorities.

"We have had feedback that some people prefer this year’s simpler, higher level consultation approach, and hope that residents take time to tell us what matters most to them.”

The consultation is available online at argyll-bute.gov.uk/planningourfuture. Printed copies are available in libraries and customer service points.

The council's annual budget meeting is due to be held on Thursday, February 23.