Help drive council spending with online budget simulator

COUNCIL chiefs are urging residents to give their views on spending priorities by using a new online budget simulator.

Oldhamers can now access an easy-to-use application on Oldham Council’s website to suggest their own spending priority areas and how to balance the books.

The local authority recently published its initial budget proposals as it seeks to find £25 million in savings for the next financial year.

The economic backdrop and the Comprehensive Spending Review mean the next Local Government Finance Settlement — expected in early December — will be the most challenging in many years.

Extensive work is ongoing on spending plans but council chiefs say consultation with the public — as well as with staff, trade unions and partnership bodies — will be key.

Councillor Lynne Thompson said: “The budget simulator is an important part of our commitment to transparency — and also to having a meaningful dialogue with the public as we face some difficult decisions.

“This interactive software will show citizens the potential impacts and consequences of different choices, and allow them to identify what they think our priorities should be.

“A range of budgetary proposals have already been put forward worth £14.9 million savings. Having already delivered £32 million in savings in the past 18 months we’re confident we can get these right to ensure that Oldham is ready to capitalise on the economic recovery — but knowing if people think these proposals are correct is vitally important, and will be taken into account.

“All ideas and suggestions will be considered. We will unveil our final service spending plans in early February, 2011.”

Residents can access the budget simulator at www.oldham.gov.uk/budget  or submit views via email to budgetchallenge@oldham.gov.uk  or by post to Oldham Council, Room 441, Budget Challenge Team, Civic Centre, Oldham OL1 1UG.

The final budget will be set at a meeting of Full Council on Wednesday, February 23.