MORAY Council’s public consultation on cutting £30 million from the budget over the next four years is underway.
Information is now available on the local authority’s website, including a survey and an interactive programme that helps give an understanding of the impact of spending decisions.
There will also be a quick link from the front page of the website – www.moray.gov.uk – to in-depth breakdowns of each service budget.
Those preferring social media can air their views via Facebook or Twitter.
A series of public information roadshows, where those attending will be able to meet officers and councillors, will get underway on Monday at Lossiemouth Town Hall, from 2-4pm, then 7-9pm.
They will be followed up with workshops starting in Forres Town Hall, on Friday, November 16.
Moray Council convener Stewart Cree said: "The purpose of the consultation is to get as many people to contribute as we can.
"We want this to be the most important consultation to be undertaken by the Moray Council, because it has to address the biggest exercise in budget setting that we’ve ever had to do."
He added that lessons had been learned from previous public consultation on the budget, and meetings had already been held with focus groups including younger people, businesses and the elderly.
Councillor Cree added: "The first round of information sessions will be held through the day, that can be accessed by young mothers and children.
"Also people working through the day will have the opportunity of attending the evening sessions."
The full list of roadshows: Lossiemouth Town Hall, on Monday, October 1, and Monday, October 29; the Territorial Army Centre, Edgar Road, Elgin on Wednesday, October 3; Forres Town Hall, on Thursday, October 4; Fisherman’s Hall, Buckie, on Monday, October 8; Longmore Hall, Keith, on Tuesday, October 9; Lhanbryde Community Centre, on Thursday, October 11; Fleming Hall, Aberlour, on Tuesday, October 30, and Bishopmill Hall, Elgin,l on Friday, November 2.
They will run from 2-4pm then 7-9pm at every venue.
Workshops will take place in Forres Town Hall on Friday, November 16; Fisherman’s Hall, Buckie on Monday, November 19; Territorial Army Centre, Edgar Road, Elgin, on Wednesday November 21; Longmore Hall, Keith on Tuesday, November 27; Lhanbryde Community Centre on Thursday, November 29; Bishopmill Hall, Elgin on Friday, November 30; Fleming Hall, Aberlour on Tuesday, December 4 and Lossiemouth Town Hall on Thursday, December 6.
All of those sessions will run from 7-9pm
People wishing to take part in the workshops will have to book a place. Registration opens today.
If any are over-subscribed additional sessions will be arranged.
Anyone who may have difficulty attending any of the roadshows or workshops can call 01343 563321.
