Have your say on borough council budget plans

12.11.00am GMT Fri 11th Jan 2008

Northampton residents are being asked for their views as the borough council considers its budget for the next financial year (April 2008- March 2009).

Three public meetings are being held so that people can ask questions about the budget and the council's plans. The first of these is on Monday (14 January) at 6pm, followed by further meetings on Thursday 17 January at 6pm and Monday 21 January at 2pm. All are being held at the Guildhall, Northampton.

Leader of Lib Dem controlled Northampton Borough Council, Cllr Tony Woods, said:

"This year we are looking to get the maximum gain for local communities with minimal pain. Unlike last year there are no major cuts being proposed, instead we have largely succeeded in our aim to produce a stable budget.

"Our proposals are instead based on a range of measures designed to save money, increase some charges, invest in priorities, and make your money go further. No decisions have been made yet.

"We are holding public meetings at the Guildhall on Monday 14 and Thursday 17 January both at 6pm, and on Monday 21 January at 2pm so that people can ask questions or make comments about the budget. It is up to local people to express a view about how they want their money to be spent."

The budget proposals include:

• an option to either reduce or end the funding for a street drinking outreach worker employed by CAN and funded by Northampton Borough Council.

• holding Northampton Borough Council grants to the voluntary sector at the current level.

• increasing the level of car parking charges.

• increasing charges in leisure services.

• investing in public conveniences across the town.

• increasing funding for town centre regeneration.

• reinstating the park ranger service.

• reinstating the graffiti removal team.

• reinstating funding for Christmas lights.

Cllr Woods said: "Decisions to close public toilets, reduce the frequency of graffiti removal and cut the Christmas lights came about as part of last year's budget under the Conservative administration. If the public feel strongly about these services we will reinstate them.

"In addition to the public meetings, people can use our website to give us their views, phone us on 838569, or pick up one of our 'Growing your future' leaflets available from libraries, community centres, supermarkets and post offices, as well as from Northampton Borough Council buildings such as our leisure centres and museums."

Note: The borough council's website is: www.northampton.gov.uk