Have your say on budget cuts

Denbighshire County Council is considering a range of cuts, as part of its efforts to cut £17 million from its budget over the next two years.

Now the Council is launching a debate called 'Cutting Our Cloth' , asking residents for views on how the impact of the cuts can be lessened on local communities.

One set of proposals totalling £4.6 million has already been agreed by Full Council. The current round of proposals worth £5.4 million are being considered, with councillors expected to discuss them formally in December and February.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of the Council, said: “The Council has worked really hard over recent years to protect jobs and vital public services wherever possible.

“We have managed to save £20 million by concentrating on  inefficiencies, bureaucracy and management, but the time has now come for us to make cuts.

“These cuts are unavoidable. They are the ‘least-worst’ options that the Council has to consider as it sets its budget for the next financial year”.  

Dr Mohammed Mehmet, Chief Executive of Denbighshire, said: “The budget situation in Denbighshire is certainly not unique and we are facing our biggest challenges since devolution.  

“Before final decisions are made on these proposals, the Council wishes to fully understand their impact on the public, on staff and on the wider community.

“While the scale of cuts facing local government in Wales will change the structure and purpose and councils will inevitably do ‘less with less’, they will still continue to provide vital services to residents and good quality, safe care to their vulnerable adults and children.

“And we are making a commitment in Denbighshire to continue providing the best possible services, despite the big challenges we face.”

A summary of proposals can be found on the website, www.denbighshire.gov.uk, together with a short online form for you to complete. 

You can submit your response online.  Alternatively, you can e-mail: public.relations@denbighshire.gov.uk or write to: Cutting Our Cloth, Communications Department, Denbighshire County Council, County Hall, Wynnstay Road, Ruthin, LL15 1YN or you can leave your comments at any council reception area.

If you wish your comment to be considered by the Council at its December meeting, it should arrive with the Council no later than November 27.