West Lindsey District Council has launched its annual budget consultation and is calling on residents and businesses to have their say on shaping future priorities.
Each year we ask local people what they would like to see the budget to focus on as we want to deliver positive outcomes for the district.
This year survey questions ask if the following should be a priority:
- more enforcement – should we focus on issues such as dog fouling, littering, on street parking enforcement
- do you think it’s important for us to provide and enhance leisure and cultural services such as Market Rasen Leisure Centre and Trinity Arts centre
- help with the cost of living increase
Leader of the Council, Councillor Owen Bierley said that those who take part in the consultation can directly shape the final budget for next year. He said:
“Each year [West Lindsey District Council] must agree a balanced budget, which means that our income must match our expenditure. We are reaching out to residents and businesses to understand the small changes we can make which might make a big difference to the district. The budget position for the council is a significant challenge and we want to ensure we position funds in the best possible place to deliver positive outcomes for the district.
“We know nationally people are struggling with the cost of living crisis and locally people want us to provide more leisure services as well as taking a tougher approach to enforcement. This consultation therefore provides an opportunity for you to review and comment on the council’s approach to meeting the budget and your views on changes in Council Tax.”
We are looking to set our budget for 2023 to 2024 and launched the consultation this week (Monday 15 August 2022). The survey is available online for people to understand the current financial situation and share their priorities.
Emma Foy, Director of Corporate Services and (S151) at West Lindsey District Council, said:
“Councillors are acutely aware of pressures caused by the increase in the cost of living and over the next few months we will be holding a Cost of Living summit to work with residents, businesses, schools and community groups. If you would like to attend and be involved please email Emma.Foy@west-lindsey.gov.uk”
Our officers will be present on a number of market days throughout the district to discuss the consultation.
The consultation can be completed online or by requesting a paper survey. It closes at 9am on 3 October 2022.