Residents invited to scrutinise Lincolnshire County Council’s spending

Residents are being invited to scrutinise Lincolnshire County Council finances in a series of meetings in January 2016.

People will get the chance to question the county council’s leader Martin Hill and executive councillor for finance Marc Jones about the authority’s budget during the meetings.

As well as looking at which services are compulsory and which are optional, the meetings will explain where savings have already been made and how the authority is funded.

Lincolnshire County Councillor Marc Jones

Councillor Marc Jones said: “We feel it’s really important to give people every opportunity to have their say on how public money is raised and spent in the county.

“It’s also important that the full extent of our budget reduction and our compulsory expenditure is explained so that there is a clear picture of the options we have going forward.

“As well as the public meetings, people will also be able to view our budget proposals online when they are released, and give us their feedback. You can already take part in our survey to tell us where you think we should prioritise our spending which will help us make these difficult decisions.”

Lincolnshire County Council is facing a budget reduction of at least £40 million for the next financial year, with savings of at least £130 million needed over the next four years.

As previously reported, ‘massive’ cuts are to follow in the years leading up to 2020, with almost all local services having their budgets reduced.

Council tax is also set for a potential rise of 4% in April next year to generate extra income.

The council has put together a survey of some discretionary services to ask people their views on their budget priorities.

The survey will be featured in the next edition of County News, and can also be accessed online.

The public meetings will be held from 6pm until 8pm at:

• West Lindsey District Council (Council Chamber) in Gainsborough on Tuesday, January 12
• North Kesteven District Council (Council Chamber) in Sleaford on Wednesday, January 13
• Louth Town Hall in Louth on Monday, January 18
• County Offices in Lincoln on Tuesday, January 19
• Princess Royal Sports Arena in Boston on Tuesday, January 26
• The South Holland Centre in Spalding on Thursday, January 27
• South Kesteven District Council (Council Chamber) in Grantham on Thursday, January 28