Preston City Council is currently consulting on major cutbacks to its services as it seeks to save £3.6 million.
AdvertisementAs council tax goes up, there will also need to be some belt-tightening at the Town Hall.
We’ve gone through the council’s budget documents and here’s what is in the firing line during 2014:
Revenues and benefits
– Some staffing in visiting officers will be reduced
Council says: “There will be a minimum impact on customer service.”
Contact centre at the Town Hall
– Staffing hours will be cut from 8am to 6pm each weekday to 9am to 5pm
Council says: “The council is seeing an increased use of the website and digital media.”
Pest control
– Customers wait a few days for an initial investigation and treatment visit
Council says: “The direct impact on rodent numbers would not be significant.”
Car parks
– The council currently locks the Lockside Road and Mariners Way car parks every night, they will now be unlocked at all times.
Street cleaning
– In the suburbs and rural areas the level of street cleaning will be decreased
Police Community Suport Officers (PCSOs)
– Five PCSOs are currently funded through a subsidy from the city council, the subsidy will be withdrawn
Citizen Zone
– Award winning project to help get people online and access information, reduced schedule for the next year
Council says: “The service will be reviewed during 2014.”
The council budget is out now for consultation ahead of the full council meeting in late February.
Residents can give their views on the council website.
What do you think about the cut backs? Do you agree with where the council is cutting back? Let us know in the comments below