Conservative controlled West Lancashire Borough Council is urging local people and organisations to give their views on a package of measures of savings, efficiencies and increases in income, before the consultation closes on 11 September.
People and organisations can give their views through the Your Views section of the borough council website. Comments can also be submitted by letter or email. The closing date is on Wednesday 11 September.
The main proposals on which people’s views are sought are:
Introducing charges for replacement wheelie bins
Increasing some fees and charges in line with inflation
Budget streamlining in Leisure and Technical Services, Planning, Housing and Regeneration, and Member Services to make efficiency savings that do not impact on customers
Restructuring of Internal Audit to reduce costs
Reducing spending on food safety inspections in accordance with a reduction in Food Standards Agency (FSA) requirements, and reduced health promotion work
Taking £474,000 from reserves.
Cllr David Westley, councillor for Aughton and Downholland ward and Portfolio Holder for Finance, said:
“We’re trying to balance the need to save money and increase income with the wish to maintain services for residents and reduce any impact on them. However some of the proposals will have some impact and I urge people to give us their views before we make final decisions.”
The Council is seeking views from individuals and organisations. The Council is writing to local voluntary and community groups, businesses and public and private sector organisations to publicise the consultation. However, it is stressed that the consultation is open to all. Any organisation can complete the survey, whether or not they receive a letter, and all residents can take part.