Pendle Council has again launched a Savings Challenge to get suggestions on how it can save money.
This is the fourth time that the council has asked for ideas as it strives to maintain vital services for residents and businesses.
Since 2011, the council has saved around £6 million. And next year it needs to save a further £1.2m.
Dean Langton, head of Regeneration and Central Services, explained: “We are continuing to have to make very difficult decisions so that we can overcome our funding shortfall.
“We’re recognised as being well run and efficient but we’re still affected by a severe financial squeeze. And as well as continuing to provide services, we have a legal requirement to balance our books.”
Coun. Tommy Cooney, who oversees the council’s finances, welcomes the opportunity to listen to the views of those who live and work here. He said: “We want to continue to provide the same level of services to our residents and businesses but we have to take some tough decisions.
“That’s why we want people to have their say so that we can continue to work together and make savings in the best way possible - balancing our books while protecting key services.”
He explained that suggestions may be small-scale or involve significant changes to how the council works and the services it provides. They can be radical, creative and imaginative, but must be specific.
The council has pledged to look at all of the submitted ideas and Coun. Cooney added: “Last year, we received a whole range of suggestions from residents. All of these suggestions were considered in detail and in many cases we were already addressing them.”
This year’s Savings Challenge is running until Sunday, November 16th. To submit an idea, go to www.letusknow.org.uk/savings2014
You can also contact Adam Pearson on 661614 or email feedbackteam@pendle.gov.uk
