WOKINGHAM Borough Council has launched a public consultation as part of two-year process of setting the 2019/20 budget.
Council leader Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor said that the submissions will give them a vital insight into residents views on their key issues and concerns such as roads, schools and social care.
And she said that the exercise was vital as the council will lose central government funding in that financial year. Views are wanted for a Budget Consultation and a Transport and Highways Consultation.
Although they are not binding, the results given to the council will help it determine its big and potentially difficult decisions.
Cllr Haitham Taylor said: “This is the first time we have attempted to gather people’s views on such a wide range of important issues and the findings will be incredibly useful as we plan ahead. Our budget decisions and transport and highways issues go to the heart of what matters most to residents and so it is important to hear from as many people as possible.
“It is important to be clear about the aim of these consultations: the findings will give us a vital insight into residents’ views and experiences but they are not referenda.The findings will be used alongside other factors, such as our legal requirements and our commitment to vulnerable people in order to make the best decisions for our limited funds.”
The consultation will be part of a two-year process and ask residents what their priorities are and will be followed by a more detailed consultation next year.
Cllr Oliver Whittle, executive member for finance, said: “We have to consider a lot of factors when setting budgets and it will be extremely helpful to have a fuller understanding of what residents’ priorities are.
“We are very aware of our responsibility to spend every pound of Council Tax wisely and have made significant efficiencies in recent years. But, despite the savings made, the challenge coming up when our Government revenue grant is cut is severe. This is why we are undertaking this two-year consultation process to get as many residents involved as we can.”
And the council said that the Transport and Highways survey will seek to increase its understanding of how people’s day-to-day lives are affected by roads and other transport issues. It will also ask about specific congestion hotspots and longer term priorities for residents.
Cllr Chris Bowring, executive member for transport and highways, said: “The Transport and Highways survey will be an attempt to build up a comprehensive picture of people’s experiences of getting around the borough. We want to know what works for people and what does not and gain a greater understanding of what is important to people.
To take part in the consultations, which will be open until December 30, visit www.wokingham.gov.uk/news-and-consultation/consultation-and-having-your-say/current-consultations/.
Alternatively contact the Community engagement team at communityengagement@wokingham.gov.uk or call 0118 974 6066 to request a hard copy.
