City Council Launches Budget Consultation

The City Council is launching a consultation during August and September to hear your views before the budget is decided for next year. The Leaders of all political groups have come together to agree a consultation programme during the summer months to understand what the public is thinking.

The Council wants to hear your views on what the priorities for the Council should be. There will be an online survey to complete. This can also be completed on paper, please ask at the Information Centre in Fish Row if you would like a paper copy.

There will also be 6 opportunities to meet informally with councillors to discuss what you think is important for the City Council and the city. Come and meet with Councillors on Salisbury Market Place or in the Guildhall on the following dates:

Sat 5 Aug 10.00am – 2.00pm
Tue 8 Aug 10.00am – 2.00pm and 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Tue 15 Aug 10.00am – 2.00pm and 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Sat 19 Aug 10.00am – 2.00pm

And of course, you can also contact your local Councillors directly by phone or email, their contact details are shown on the Council’s website.

Councillor Annie Riddle, a Leader of the City Council said “I hope lots of people will take this opportunity to tell us what is important to them. Budget setting is a complex matter and whatever we do, we can’t please everyone. We’re elected to take decisions and sometimes they are difficult ones. But we guarantee we will look carefully at what you say, and we won’t know what you think unless you take part”.

Cllr Victoria Charleston, Leader of the Lib Dem Group points out that “We have committed to ensuring your voice is heard by this Council. Consulting on the budget is just one of the steps we are taking – please do get involved”.

Cllr Ian Tomes, Leader of the Labour Group, said “I know from experience that when something is important to local people, they can get their voices heard – make sure your voice is heard if you feel strongly about local services from the City Council and where the budget is spent.”

Councillor Eleanor Wills, Leader of the Conservative Group said “Consultation is a vital way for residents to have their voice heard during the budget setting process. It has been really encouraging to sit down and work with the Group Leaders to develop these plans and I look forward to working with them in the future on similar schemes. It will be great to meet residents this summer”.

A leaflet should come through your door shortly with more information. The leaflet shows a consultation on 18 August, please note that this will take place on Tuesday 15 August.