RESIDENTS in Wiltshire are being given the opportunity to find out how the Wiltshire Council spend their budget.

During the meetings, to be held in Devizes, Chippenham, Trowbridge and Salisbury, the council will outline its budget proposals for the next year and explain how it plans to meet the challenges it faces.

The council currently spends £900m annually on more than 350 services but funding from central government continues to be cut. This, combined with the increased demand for some council services, particularly for vulnerable children and adults, means the council need to find savings of £28m in 2016/17.

The council has insisted however that it will remain committed to investing in its three priority areas. These include protecting the vulnerable, boosting the local economy by creating new jobs and safeguarding existing ones, and supporting and empowering communities “to do more for themselves”.

Dick Tonge, cabinet member for finance, said: “These meetings are an opportunity to share with residents how we plan to continue to deliver our main priorities against a backdrop of rising demand.”

All of the scheduled meetings will have a presentation about the council’s budget plans followed by a question and answer session.

Those wishing to attend can confirm their attendance by emailing events@wiltshire.gov.uk

Meetings will be held on the following dates:

February 1 – Devizes Corn Exchange from 5.30pm
February 3 – Chippenham Town Hall from 5.30pm
February 4 – Trowbridge County Hall from 5.30pm
February 10 – Salisbury Guildhall from 5.30pm