Help shape the way West Lindsey District Council will spend its money

The council is looking to set its council tax as it makes preparations for its budget for 2021 to 2022.

And it is offering people an opportunity to understand the current financial situation and share their priorities.

Leader of the council, Coun Giles McNeill, says that those who take part in the consultation can directly shape the final budget.

He said: “Local people are, rightly, always at the centre of everything we do. The health and wellbeing of our residents is paramount, which is why we invested in leisure facilities, engaged with developers to create new homes, worked with employers and education establishments to increase skills and job prospects.

“We do all of this knowing you expect us to provide public services that are efficient and effective, spending public money, your money, wisely.

“The global coronavirus pandemic will leave a lasting effect on our economy, our communities, on individuals and their families and friends, for years to come.

“As a council, we have led the response, through organising community hubs, providing vital support and advice and issuing grant funding on behalf of the government to local businesses.

“The impact on the council’s finances is significant.

“With reduced income and additional costs, we need to act to balance our next budget.

“That is why it is important that local people have their say.”

With reduced budgets from central government it is critical that the council directs its resources in a way that benefits residents and meets their needs and priorities which include creating a safer, cleaner district in which to live, work and socialise and remaining financially sustainable.

Ian Knowles, chief executive of West Lindsey District Council, said: “We want to make sure we are focusing on the priorities that residents have, and not just the priorities that we as an authority perceive.”

The consultation can be completed online at www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/budget2020 or by requesting a paper survey and it closes at 9am on July 27.