West Sussex County Council asks for residents’ views on spending

RESIDENTS and business owners are being asked for their views on how West Sussex County Council money is spent.

A new survey, called Every Pound Counts, asks for opinions on how public money is used.

It includes a section where people have the chance to “be chancellor for the day” by allocating points – representing sums of money – to different areas.

Difficult

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Council leader Louise Goldsmith said: “Some people may well be surprised to see the range of services provided by the county council, from social care to highways, and waste management to safeguarding.

“It’s no secret that we are in the middle of very difficult financial times.

“The council is part-way through a three-year programme to save £79 million.

“Equally, we need to make sure we focus our limited resources on the things that matter most to residents.

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“This consultation is a chance for people to show us where they would like the council’s resources focussed, and also where they would like savings to be made.”

Results

The results of last year’s survey showed residents wanted roads maintenance as a priority.

A West Sussex spokeswoman said the council had given additional funding for roads and announced a £3million county-wide programme for road surface dressing.

Budget management and being transparency were also highlighted as issues in last year’s survey.

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“The Performance Framework 2011 – 2014 has a commitment to produce and publish data for residents to hold the county council to account, and more data is openly available on the website,” said the spokesman.

Take part

Details of the survey can be found at libraries and help points or by visiting www.westsussex.gov.uk/everypoundcounts where residents and business owners can fill in the survey online or download a copy.

A paper copy of the survey can also be requested by calling 01243 777100.

Responses must be received by the council by Sunday, September 9.