Public welcome to have a go at balancing the books

Saddleworth Parish Council meeting report

IF you’re not happy with the council’s budget plans, go online and crunch the numbers yourself — that’s the message from Saddleworth Parish Council.

Councillor Brian Lord, Oldham Council cabinet member for adult and social services, said: “I want to appeal to everybody to log on to the council’s website at www.oldham.gov.uk and use the budget simulator.

“People are so quick to grumble about what the council does, so here is the opportunity to have a go for yourself.

“You can juggle the budget to see how your decisions change things. For instance, if you spent more money on one department you could see how many other facilities would have to suffer. It is a delicate balancing act. And we don’t just want the people with an axe to grind to log on, we want everyone to have a go. Now is your opportunity to have your say.”

Finance officer Mark Taylor told members that the council faced extremely tough financial times and juggling the budget for 2010/11 had been difficult.

The budget proposals focus on a number of key areas – a clean, safe and green borough, local services for local people, investing in front line services, quality staff and investing in the future, delivering efficiencies now.

The final proposals will go before cabinet on February 9 followed by full council to be signed off on February 24.

Parish Councillor Ken Hulme said: “We face a really severe squeeze throughout the public sector — some of the most harsh times I can remember.

“I hope the budget is geared up for long term cuts and that we can look at bringing our council tax rate in line with other councils in Greater Manchester.”

Mr Taylor said: “It is always hard to plan for every eventuality but we are prepared for a few surprises and believe the budget will accommodate this.

“The dreadful weather we have just experienced was a big blow to the highways budget and things like that are not always predictable.”

The next meeting of the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership will take place on Thursday, February 4.