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Where will the axe fall on spending?
Residents are being encouraged to discuss the scale of the financial challenges facing Wiltshire Council and how it can tackle significant reductions in its funding at a series of public meetings.
As it prepares to set its 2015 budget, the council is keen to hear from the public about its approach to public spending at the interactive meetings being held across the county.
Wiltshire Council leader Jane Scott and cabinet members will attend the meetings to outline the council’s financial and service plans for 2015 and further into the future, and to discuss the challenges faced in more detail.
The council currently spends around £900m each year on more than 350 services. The changing demographics, rising inflation and reduction in funding from central government has meant the council has had to find substantial savings which will continue into next year’s budget and beyond.
Jane Scott said: “Our main priority continues to be supporting those who are most vulnerable, as well as taking action to boost the local economy, safeguarding and creating jobs and working with communities to help them to be strong and resilient in order do more for themselves.
“These meetings will be an excellent opportunity for us to share the scale of the challenge and potential plans for the next year, and listen to your views and suggestions for tackling these challenges as we move forward.”
The meetings will take place at:
- Chippenham Town Hall on 26 January, 6pm
- Atrium in County Hall, Trowbridge, on 27 January, 5pm
- Corn Exchange, Devizes, on 3 February, 5.30pm
- Salisbury Guild Hall, on 5 February, 5.30pm
Refreshments will be served at each event 30 minutes before the start time.
Those wishing to attend should email sharonl.smith@wiltshire.gov.uk