Spending cuts debate tonight (From Bucks Free Press)

Spending cuts debate tonight

2:19pm Thursday 9th September 2010 in

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

The Conservative controlled authority has already made a raft of cuts totalling £9.2million in August's emergency budget, with a further £3m to be added to that.

More than 550 jobs have to be axed and the council faces around a 25 per cent reduction in its funding.

In total council chiefs are bracing themselves for a total of more than £90m in cuts over the next four years, including the £9.2m.

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

So far the meetings have failed to attract large numbers, with the Marlow meeting on Friday being labelled 'ludicrous' by a parish councillor.

But council bosses are hoping the attendances will increase.

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 meeting takes place at Burnham Grammar, Burnham, from 7pm to 9pm.

The others are schedule for: 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.