Residents’ chance to help pull purse strings

SENIOR politicians at a cash-strapped council have warned “very difficult decisions” will have to be made in the next round of cutbacks after asking residents to help set its spending priorities.

Hull Council is launching an online survey today asking people which services they value most and least. The public’s responses will help shape the authority’s budget, due to go before members in February, with senior councillors already warning it will be one of its most difficult yet.

The deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance, Coun Daren Hale, said: “We want to ensure that as we allocate our budget it reflects the priorities of people in the city. We know that once again we will have to make very difficult decisions as we go through the most challenging time in local government history, due to the huge cuts in central government financial settlements to councils.

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“I urge residents, customers and partners to take this opportunity to tell us what you value most. This survey will also give people a sense of the decisions that we need to make.

“As we make these decisions we want to ensure we understand the priorities of those who use the services in the city.”

It is estimated the council will have to cut £48m from its budget over the next two years. The pinch is already being felt with the short-term future of an under-threat leisure centre only being secured last month when a city health organisation agreed to cover its running costs.

Hull’s Clinical Commissioning Group agreed to fund the £219,000 annual running costs of Ennerdale Leisure Centre for a year, as it tied in with its aim of creating a “healthier Hull”. Thousands of residents campaigned against plans to close the centre, which is home to the city’s only competition swimming pool. The council has announced plans to set up a not-for-profit company to take over leisure services.

The survey can be completed on the council’s website until December 13.

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