LANCASHIRE County Council bosses are asking residents to suggest how they should make £78million savings in the next year.

The council is using a tool on its website that allows users to say what should be cut and to calculate the savings which would be made.

People will be able to choose how much money should be spent on services such as social care, highways management and libraries in order to meet this target.

The county council's cabinet will consider the results, including the services people prioritise and the areas where they think savings should be made, when it sets the budget in February 2011.

County Councillor Geoff Driver, leader of the county council, said: "The county council must make huge savings in 2011/12.

"We want to highlight what tough decisions need to be made and find out what people would do to balance the books.

"Most of the county council's funding comes from the Government and there is likely to be a huge reduction in the amount of money they give us for the next financial year.

"We want to know what services are important to the people of Lancashire, what their priorities are and how they want to shape the county council as we go forward.

"We have some difficult choices ahead and need people to get involved as we look towards setting next year's budget.

"It's an excellent opportunity for people to have their say on council priorities and spending."

The calculator will be available until December 31.

Alternatively, residents can share their views on the 2011/12 budget by emailing value@lancashire.gov.uk.