COUNCIL bosses are urging residents in Rossendale to given them a helping hand when it comes to setting next year’s budget.

Last October councillors heard that the authority is still facing a funding gap of £146,000 for 2014-15.

And two areas for consideration outlined were the grants which the borough gives to outside bodies and the council tax relief available for long-term empty properties and second homes.

Coun Patrick Marriott, resources cabinet member, said: “We know that funding for Rossendale is being cut even more in the future.

“The council can’t just take it one year at a time. Hard choices have to be made now to help balance the books down the line.”

More details are available regarding the implications of reducing funding for both areas on the council’s website - rossendale.gov.uk Views on the budget must be made known to the council before January 31, via Philip Seddon, finance head, at the borough’s Futures Park offices in Bacup.

The council has already had to make a number of other major savings as part of their medium-term financial strategy.