A PUBLIC meeting is to be held today, Wednesday, in Middlewich Civic Hall to debate Congleton Borough Council's budget proposals for the coming year.

This is the first time the council has consulted directly individuals and community groups in its decision making process and service plans.

Middlewich residents will have the chance to have their say on how the authority proposes to spend council tax money in the year ahead and to talk to committee chairmen and senior officers.

The aim of the authority's consultation process is to collect feedback from as wide a cross section of the community as possible.

Managing director of Congleton Borough Council Peter Cooper said: "The council has been working hard for some time to involve people in its decision making, but this is the first time it has consulted directly on the budget and service plans for the forthcoming year.

"A number of the council's services are required by law. For example we have to collect council tax, operate a planning service, hold elections, collect refuse and inspect food premises.

"We can however sometimes alter the way we do these 'statutory' services and would welcome your ideas which may reduce costs or improve the level of service.

"Finance is, of course, not unlimited and the council will never be able to meet everyone's expectations.

"A higher level of service in one area may mean less money for other things.

"But the exercise is about choice and giving you a direct say in determining priorities.

"We hope Middlewich residents will be able to attend one of our public meetings and comment on service priorities and the council's activities."

The public meeting will be operating on a 'drop-in' basis and will take place in the Civic Hall, Civic Way, Middlewich, at 6.30pm till 9pm.

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