Lancaster City Council is inviting people to get involved and have their say on how it spends its money for the next few years.
The council has already set its priorities for the next three years, focusing on the social, economic and environmental issues of our district. However, with predicted reductions in government expenditure on public services over the next few years, local authorities are set to come under increasing pressure to make every single penny count and focus on the services that people most need and want.
On average, Council Tax payers pay £3.56 a week to Lancaster City Council. The council feels it is more important than ever that local people are given the opportunity to have their say on the services that are important to them and how it should be spending its budget in 2010/11.
“The council’s Cabinet has already reviewed and refocused the council priorities for the next three years and has collectively identified areas of spending that could be reduced for future years,” explains Coun Stuart Langhorn, leader of Lancaster City Council. “The Cabinet would like your views on these as they will be crucial in determining how the budget is allocated. With taxpayers help, the council can make sure its resources are targeted to the areas where you feel will be of most benefit and provide the services that are most important to them.”
You can get involved by:
– Completing a questionnaire by January 8 2010 – pick up a copy from Lancaster or Morecambe town halls, council housing offices on Cable Street, libraries or complete online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/consultation
– Registering your interest in attending a workshop in Carnforth (5th January 2010), Lancaster (6th January 2010) or Morecambe (January 7 2010) – email consultation@lancaster.gov.uk or telephone 01524 582268
• Go to one of the town centre exhibitions that will be taking place at Carnforth Railway Station on 5th January between 4.00pm and 6.00pm, Market Square in Lancaster on 6th January between 11.00am and 3.00pm, and the Arndale Centre in Morecambe on 7th January 7 between 10.30am and 1.30pm.
People completing the questionnaire or attending a workshop will be entered into prize draws for food, drink, gardening, entertainment and keep fit vouchers, thanks to support from local businesses that include Booths and The Refreshment Room, Carnforth and NICE café, Lancaster.
• For more information, contact the council’s consultation officer by email consultation@lancaster.gov.uk or telephone 01524 582268.