Budget consultation – your views WILL count
Published Thursday 11th November 10 in Council - news and information releases news
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council would like to thank all those people who took the time to participate in its recent budget consultation exercise.
Almost 1,300 people contacted the Council to air their views on how cost savings should be made in response to the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review.
The impressive response rate compared favourably with those of similar consultations conducted by neighbouring local authorities.
Council officers are currently analysing the responses and as yet no decisions on spending plans for the next financial year have been made.
But they will be taken into account by councillors when they begin addressing the Government's funding reductions.
Since the consultation commenced in September 618 people responded online, over 600 submitted a completed questionnaire by post and 470 wrote in with their views.
A report including the full findings of the consultation will be published as part of the budget report which will be discussed at a Cabinet meeting in March.
Although the consultation has now closed there is still time to have your say and to help identify new ways of making the Council more efficient, save money or generate income.
Consulting with the public, our staff and local voluntary, charitable and business organisations is key to informing the tough decisions the Council now needs to make.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Chief Executive, Rob Tinlin, said: "I am extremely grateful to all those people who have taken the time to participate in the Council's budget consultation and share their thoughts on priorities.
"Although the full findings from the consultation are currently being analysed, the preliminary results indicate that residents would least like to see reductions in adult care and waste and recycling services.
"Areas where residents may be prepared to see reductions include planning, transport to school and tourism.
"No decisions on spending plans for next year have been made as yet. Everyone recognises that we are faced with massive reductions in the money available to spend on local services - and we'll be making sure our decisions are shaped by the priorities that are emerging."