Residents consulted over county council budget plans

Residents across Shropshire will be able to find out about - and express their views on - Shropshire County
Council’s budget proposals for the coming year when a series of consultation events are held this month.

The eight consultation meetings will be held on:

- Wednesday 9 January at Lyon Hall, Hodnet, Market Drayton (7.00pm-9.00pm) - as part of the Action: Market Drayton, Hodnet and Shawbury local meeting pilot.

- Thursday 10 January at Trefonen Village Hall (7.00pm-9.00pm) - as part of the Action: St Oswald and Ruyton-XI-Towns local meeting pilot.

- Tuesday 15 January at Harley Centre Refectory, Ludlow College (7.00pm-9.00pm) - as part of the Action: Ludlow and Ludlow Rural local meeting pilot.

- Thursday 17 January at Higher Heath Village Hall, Higher Heath, Whitchurch (7.00pm-9.00pm) - as part of the Action: Whitchurch and Prees local meeting pilot.

- Thursday 17 January at Victoria Hall, Broseley, Bridgnorth (7.00pm-9.00pm) - as part of the Action: Broseley and Barrow local meeting pilot.

- Monday 21 January at Council Chamber, Shirehall, Shrewsbury (6.30pm – 8.30pm)

- Wednesday 23 January at Council Chamber, Oswestry Borough Council (7.00pm-9.00pm)

- Tuesday 29 January 2008 at The Community College, Bishop’s Castle (7.00pm-9.00pm)

The feedback from each will be presented to Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet and full Council in February, when the budget strategy for 2008/2009 is considered.

Laura Rowley, Director of Resources with Shropshire County Council, said: “We want as many people as possible to take part in this consultation. Everyone attending will be briefed on our corporate aims and priorities for improvement, and an explanation of our budget proposals for next year.

“At most meetings, participants will be invited to take part in an electronic voting session using keypads which will take them through a series of questions on the budget proposals. At the meetings where we can’t use this technology, we will still record people’s comments and observations.”

Malcolm Pate, Leader of Shropshire County Council, said: “This is a chance for the public to learn how budget proposals and decisions are made, and to have their say about our plans for the coming year. The aim of these meetings is to help the council to plan for a budget that will allow us to continue to deliver excellent services while offering value for money to the people of Shropshire.”

7 January 2008