Tax payers in Shipston and the surrounding area are being invited to air their views on services provided by Stratford-on-Avon District Council at a Public Consultation Meeting on Tuesday 27 October at Shipston High School.
"Councils across the country are working hard to cope with falling income and increased demand for services brought about by the recession and the tough economic outlook is forcing councils to take a look at almost every aspect of their finances and Stratford-on-Avon District Council is no different," says Councillor Les Topham, Leader.
"Stratford District Council is committed to providing the best possible service to taxpayers with the resources available based on local priorities set by residents, providing them with the services they want. The aim of this consultation is to let residents have their say on where they think we should concentrate our spending on.
"We want to hear your views because they will be taken into account when we look at prioritising our various services, which will then give us a steer on setting the levels of Council Tax.
"We are faced with incredibly difficult decisions and are having to tighten our belts in exactly the same way as hard pressed families. The District Council is being forced to look at almost every aspect spending making tough decisions to balance budgets and keep council tax down.
"Money is tight for everyone and nobody likes paying more council tax and that is why the District Council is making enormous efforts to keep bills down; we are responding to the fact that people are feeling the pinch."
The first Public Consultation meeting in Shipston takes place on Tuesday 27 October from 7pm until 9pm at Shipston High School, Darlingscote Road, Shipston-on-Stour.
Other meetings will also be taking place across the District:
- Stratford Monday 2 November at the District Council Offices in Church Street from 7pm to 9pm
- Southam Tuesday 10 November at The Grange Hall from 7pm to 9pm
- Alcester still TBC
For those members of the public who are unable to attend any of the meetings there is a questionnaire on the District Councils website -
http://www.stratford.gov.uk/budget2010
