Date: 16 July 2010
With public spending being cut back, some tough decisions need to be made. Brentwood Borough Council is inviting residents to help to shape the Borough and tell the Council where they think money should be spent in regards to Brentwood Council's budget. The Your Brentwood Your Budget consultation stage has been developed as a way to engage with residents on their top three and bottom three service priorities and will run for four weeks from Monday 26 July to Friday 20 August 2010.
Councils up and down the country are facing pressures on budgets and frontline services after the Coalition Government announced its first Budget on 22 June 2010, with a five year plan to rebuild the British economy and get the public finances under control. After tough decisions taken over the last 12 months Brentwood Borough Council is already well placed to manage the challenges ahead but finding out what is important to the people of Brentwood will also be part of the process so services can be provided differently.
Leader of Brentwood Borough Council, Cllr Louise McKinlay said, “We understand that this is a very tough budget that will have far-reaching effects but to build a ‘Big Society’ means giving power back to our community and this will only work if our community engages and take this on wholeheartedly.
“Your Brentwood Your Budget has been designed to make sure we are engaging with residents during these difficult times. This consultation is just one part of the decision making process but it is an important part as we want to ensure that you get involved and have your say on how your money is spent.
“To help us set spending priorities for next year, we are keen to hear about your top three and bottom three priorities for Brentwood so please do join in. Once we have all the responses from this consultation exercise we will be able to move to the next stage of the decision making process as we shape the Borough in the way that residents want.”
There are various ways for residents to take part:
Media Contact: Emmeline Smith
Tel: 01277 312630