Public has say on services

A CONSULTATION over Leicestershire County Council’s proposals to cut the communities and wellbeing service gathered nearly 800 responses.

The cash-strapped council spends £5.6 million per year on communities and wellbeing service and needs to reduce the figure by £1.9 million by 2018/9.

Of those who took part in the survey, 96% said they valued libraries, museums and heritage services a great deal, with 88% saying the library was the most important of them.

While there was an acceptance for change, particularly targeting services for vulnerable people and increasing digital access, there was caution from many who did not want to see a reduction in venues operated by the council.

Councillor Richard Blunt, cabinet member for museums and heritage, said: “The consultation has confirmed how much residents value our cultural services and will help us to finalise our proposals for how these services should be delivered with a reduced budget.

“There are tough times ahead and we are going to have to make difficult decisions, but this is also a great opportunity for us to make changes in the way we work to deliver services fit for the future.”

Following the feedback received, the council’s strategy has been amended to put a greater focus on enabling and support communities to access services and support the work of initiatives that prevent and reduce need.

The final decision on implementing the strategy will be made by the cabinet when it meets on July 19.