RESIDENTS in and around Chester have taken part in ‘Question Time’ style event to discuss a number of council budget proposals for this year.
Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) arranged the three sessions for residents to quiz councillors and officers on the 2010/11 budget.
More than 2,500 members of the Cheshire West and Chester’s newly formed citizens’ panel View West were invited to the events held in Chester, Ellesmere Port and Winsford. The panel was carefully recruited to be a good cross-section of the population of Cheshire West and Chester.
The Question Time panel comprised of councillors covering all key service areas including adult social care and health, environment, children’s services, resources, area and community, prosperity and culture and recreation. Council officers were also on hand to help answer the audience’s questions.
The Leader of the Council, Cllr Mike Jones, said: “We were delighted that so many members of View West were able to join us. All three events were well attended and very challenging, covering a wide range of topics and issues.
“People may wonder if events like these can really influence the budget. The answer is yes, we can build views into this and future budgets. Budget consultation is not just about one-off events, but a continuous process of dialogue with the public.”
The events were part of a comprehensive programme to find out how residents think the council should spend its money in the 2010/11 budget.
As well as the three Question Time events, activities involving the trade unions, the voluntary sector, schools, businesses and other partners have also taken place.
A video of one of the events is being placed on YouTube. Details can be found at www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ budgetconsultation
Members have analysed the feedback to shape their final budget plans which will be discussed at the council meeting on February 25 at 6.30pm, County Hall, Chester.