District's residents invited to offer suggestions on savings

PEOPLE across the Wakefield district are being invited to have their say about how local service providers can make cutbacks following the Government's spending review.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Nov 2010, 11:25 BST
Updated 25th Nov 2010, 11:25 BST

Residents and people from community groups have been invited to the major consultation event next Wednesday at Wakefield Town Hall.

The Wakefield Together Partnership, which includes the Wakefield Council, West Yorkshire Police, NHS Wakefield and Wakefield District Housing will be speaking about the challenges facing them and asking borough residents what issues matter the most to them.

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The outcome of the consultation will help inform the district's priorities for the next three to five years, and support agencies in looking at new ways to provide services at a time when budgets are squeezed.

The event will also look at ways at better involving local communities and people in delivering services

Partnership chairman Councillor Peter Box, said: "Organisations within the Partnership spend most of their money on front line services, therefore the coming government spending cuts will inevitably affect front line services.

"We know things will be difficult, however it is important to focus on what is most important to people. We will continue to provide good services, however these will be fewer.

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"By sharing information with citizens, and citizens sharing with the Partnership what matters to them the most, we will be able to work towards prioritising key services whilst making the savings. We unfortunately are required to make in this climate."

"It is clear that we face challenging times ahead, however we are passionate about Wakefield District and I want the Partnership to work with citizens to take the district forward thus continuing to make it a place to be proud of."

Wakefield Council alone estimates that it will have to make cuts of about 65m, although it does not yet know from the Government exactly how much it will have to spend.

It has warned the cuts will inevitably hit front line services and the jobs of those that provide them. Service charges may also rise.

Details about the Partnership have been posted online at www.wakefieldtogether.org.uk.

Related topics:GovernmentWakefield CouncilWakefieldResidents