Spending cuts meeting tonight (From Bucks Free Press)

Spending cuts meeting tonight

9:00am Monday 6th September 2010 in

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THE third of a series of ‘interactive’ meetings asking residents their views on public spending cuts takes place tonight.

Cash strapped Buckinghamshire County Council is holding the ‘Bucks Debates’ to give taxpayers a say on where the axe should fall in next year’s budget.

The Conservative controlled authority must find ways to close a £27m funding gap and make reductions ahead of budget cuts from Government.

Up to 500 jobs are to be axed and the council faces around a 25 per cent reduction in its funding.

The new Government has pledged to freeze council tax for at least one year – giving authorities no choice but to make cuts and savings.

Already a raft of cuts totalling £9.2million have been voted through in August's emergency budget.

(For more on the emergency budget and background see related articles below).

These have taken immediate effect and cover residential care for OAPs, alcohol treatment and domestic violence programmes, the Connexions schools career service and child protection.

Deputy Leader Cllr Bill Chapple insisted the input of residents was vital and urged everyone to contribute.

"I cannot emphasis too strongly the need for residents to get involved with the Bucks Debate. I really believe in people power,” he said.

The first South Bucks debate in Marlow attracted only 22 people - many of whom had were councillors or had council connections.

But officials hope greater numbers will attend as the fortnight of meetings progresses.

The meeting takes place at St Joseph’s Catholic School, Chalfont St Peter, from 7pm to 9pm.

The other debates takes place at the following times and venues: September 9 Burnham Grammar, Burnham, 7pm - 9pm.

September 10 Booker Park School, Aylesbury, 7pm - 9pm.

September 13 High Wycombe Library, High Wycombe, 10am - 12pm.

September 16 Waterside Combined School, Chesham, 7pm - 9pm.

September 17 Butlers Court, Beaconsfield, 7pm - 9pm.

September 20 Princes Risborough School, 7pm - 9pm.