Perthshire Advertiser

Have a say on PKC priorities for spending

Locals urged to take online survey

- Rachel Clark

Members of the public have been urged to have their say on the future priorities of the council.

Perth and Kinross Council has asked residents to tell them what they feel its priorities should be for the next few years ahead of setting the local authority’s budget next year.

The online survey, which is open until midnight on Sunday, February 4, will look at a number of different service areas, with respondent­s asked how they would make savings in the council budget, and share ideas they may have for generating additional income to offset the savings needed.

A spokespers­on for the council said: “Like all local authoritie­s Perth and Kinross Council is preparing for the significan­t financial challenges which lie ahead.

“Public views gathered in the survey will help councillor­s make informed decisions when considerin­g the options for the 20182019 financial year and beyond.”

A summary of the responses leader Ian Campbell Council

gathered in the online consultati­on will be included in the budget-setting report in February, which will be discussed at a meeting of the full council by elected members.

Ian Campbell, council leader, said: “It will not come as news to anyone that Perth and Kinross faces major financial challenges as we head into the next financial year.

“Public sector budgets are tighter than ever and there will be some hard decisions to make.”

He continued: “The council has a good strong record of prudent financial management, which has been recognised by external auditors over a number of years.

“However, demand for services has continued to increase across the board, and it is important to look at how these are being delivered while managing reducing budgets.”

The Highland ward representa­tive added: “I would urge as many people as possible to take the time to fill in the online survey to make sure that your views are taken into account when the council meets to agree the budget next year.”

The online survey can be accessed via www.pkc.gov.uk/budget

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Financial challenges

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