Residents are being given the chance to have their say on how the Council’s budget should be spent during a series of interactive roadshows.
The events are an important means for people from all walks of life to identify the services that matter the most to them and where investment should be targeted.
Such engagement is particularly important this year, as Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is striving to safeguard jobs and essential services while also managing a projected budget deficit of some £20m, as a result of the Westminster Government’s Spending Review.
The roadshows offer an informal chance for residents to meet with Council representatives and air their views on where investment should be targeted.
They will include background information on how investment has already improved the services they offer the community, as well as “virtual” money that guests can “spend” as they wish on services.
The roadshows take place at:
• Morrison’s in Porth on November 16 from 2pm to 5pm.
• Asda in Aberdare from 9am to 1pm on November 16
• Llantrisant Leisure Centre from 2pm to 6pm on November 17
Interactive public events such as this are just one of the ways in which the Council engages with residents and stakeholders to secure their views on the issues that affect them.
It also has a specialist Citizens’ Panel which represents people of all ages and backgrounds and is regularly consulted with via meetings, events and newsletters.
The Council also works with representatives of groups from all elements of the County Borough and has specialist sessions in schools to secure the views of young people and has recently begun its second annual Viewpoint consultation with thousands of pupils to secure their views on the issues that affect them.
As well as working hard to attain the open views of people from all backgrounds, the Council also holds follow-up events to ensure interested parties can see just what has been achieved in certain service areas, such as Services for Young People, Day Centres, Meals on Wheels, Housing and so on, that have secured additional investment.
Cllr Maureen Webber, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Council Business, said: “We work hard to ensure our priorities as a Council reflect the priorities of the communities we serve.
“As we prepare to enter one of the most difficult and challenging periods in local government, it is even more vital we work with residents to identify and protect the services that matter the most.
“We are committed to delivering an ongoing budget consultation that engages with residents at all levels so they can have their say. The public events are just one of the ways of doing this and we hope to see as many people as possible take part in this important opportunity.”
For more information on consultation and opportunities to get involved, visit the Consultation pages
