Tuesday, 5 October 2010

CUTS 'CONSULTATION'

Public meeting, Saturday 16 October, 10am, Town Hall.

Calderdale Council are in the middle of a controversial consultation about what cuts residents and local businesses think should be made to local services.

Complaints have been reported to the Hebden Bridge Web about many aspects of this 'budget consultation'. The response 'no cuts' is not an option they will consider. Our much loved Picture House is threatened by being lumped with Victorial Theatre! Why is there no option to request improvements to services?

Many people have reported being unable to complete the online form because they get the response: "You have chosen fewer than three services where you think we should stop providing or paying for them."

To find out what local people think, the Council has already held Ward Forum meetings, and made questionnaires available on its website and in Council offices. The 'consultation' began on 1st September and will end at the end of this month.

Before the consultation closes, people can go to a special public meeting at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Saturday 16 October, starting at 10 am.

Leader of the Council and Calder Ward Councillor Janet Battye said:
"Hundreds of people have taken the time to tell us what they think, and make constructive suggestions on how we can save money, work more efficiently and protect the services people value the most. It's crucial we look at new ways of working, with our partners, other organisations and with the local community as we plan for the future. The meeting on 16 October are a key opportunity for local people to shape that future."

The consultation questionnaires are available on the Council's website and at Hebden Bridge Library.

The results of the consultation will be fed back to Ward Forum meetings in early December. Budget Council will be held in February 2011.