Other ways to save

IT has been suggested by some that the offer to allow the public to have a say in where the council cuts should fall is a hollow exercise.

Others might say it is a shallow and cynical exercise that might be used to justify the cuts that ultimately emerge.

However, while I do think it is a laudable exercise by Worthing council to involve the public in these painful and difficult decisions, I am not sure that it will have the desired result.

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Some residents may have an insight into how each department spends its budget and may be able to recommend specific savings.

Most people can only balance priorities between all areas where cuts will be devastating, however and wherever they are applied.

Inevitably, there will be a good debate and we hope it informs ultimate budget decisions – but from what I can see from the responses on the Herald website, for the most part, it will be expressions of blinkered self-interest.

Those who do not use the toilets will be happy to see them go, without consideration for our tourism trade or the disabled.

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Those who do not use the theatres or see the importance they have to the cultural life and tourist economy of the town will be happy to see their budgets slashed – and so on.

I feel there are other alternatives that could save money and maintain – if not improve – all these services that are not presented to the public for consideration.

That is the passing of major functions such as the theatres, leisure facilities and toilets over to community bodies or private business concerns to run, on either a self-financing basis or a tapered subsidy set below the present level of losses.

There are countless examples where such transfers of assets have provided the community with ongoing and enhanced facilities. One could identify our Dome Cinema as one.

I would ask if our council cabinet members have investigated these options. If not, why not?

Councillor David Chapman

Wiston Avenue

Worthing

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