Tell us what is important

Online survey allows residents to help shape council’s budget

HIGH PEAK residents are invited to have their say on the council's services before the Council sets its budget next year.

An online consultation on the Borough Council’s website will allow people to tell the Council which services they think are most important and how they feel about the Council’s priorities.

Although news of the council’s financial settlement from central government is not due until early December, council leaders are expecting a further reduction in the support the council receives from the Government.

Council Leader Caitlin Bisknell explained: “We are facing some very major challenges and we want local people to have their say and tell us where our priorities should be.

“We will be seeking to protect the front line services people rely on as well as keeping up our efforts to support the local economy during these difficult times.  I am expecting us to be faced with difficult decisions and it is important that we understand what matters to local people."

Councillor Bisknell said: "We are committed to keeping the Council Tax low, providing good value for money and protecting frontline services including waste and recycling, street cleaning, and grounds maintenance.’’

Councillor Tim Norton, the council’s Executive Member for Corporate Services, said: "The authority is on target to save £3.4 million by the end of March 2014, this is a considerable achievement. However, I’m expecting another tough financial settlement from the Government and this means redoubling our efforts to further improve our efficiency.  It is very important for us to understand where residents feel our priorities should lie before we set next year’s budget in March.”

People can take part in the survey by visiting the council's website. People have until November 2nd to make their views known and will be asked to pick out their most and least important council services from a list ranging from affordable homes to improved indoor leisure facilities.