Close to 1,000 people have taken the time out of their busy lives to take part in a St Edmundsbury Borough Council budget consultation.
Postal and online responses to specific questions on how St Edmundsbury may deliver £1.5m of savings, were filled out by some 988 people across the borough.
The survey also asked for people’s suggestion either on how the council could generate more income or make savings in order to meet its funding challenges over the next two years.
The results are now being analysed but will help councillors make important budget decisions to be announced in preparation for the 2015/16 budget.
Cllr John Griffiths, leader of the council said: “I am both delighted by, and grateful to those residents across St Edmundsbury who recognised the importance of taking part in this survey, and have given us their views on possible budget ideas put forward, as well as making additional and alternative ones as requested. We have been very open on the challenges we face, no decisions have been taken, and the views and suggestions put forward will now be fully considered as we move forward to decide how our budget requirements may be best addressed. This has proven to be a very useful, and helpful, exercise.”
Cllr David Ray, St Edmundsbury cabinet member for resources and performance said: “There have been various alternative suggestions put forward. All of these will be looked at in more detail to see if they can help us to achieve the £1.5m of savings that we have to make in order to keep Council Tax down. Residents have also had their say about the ideas we put forward. These will now be analysed and will inform public debate in the council chamber over the coming months on how we generate income or make savings. That in turn will lead to the announcement of our budget early next year.”
