Residents asked about their views on a council's savings and spending

Blackburn with Darwen Council has asked residents to fill in a short survey, which will ‘influence’ what is put into a council’s financial plan ahead of them setting a balance budget in February 2018.

Since 2010 the council has lost more than 40 per cent of its funding from central government whilst the demand for its services has grown significantly, the council has said.

Council bosses now want residents to help them create a detailed financial plan taking them to 2020.

Cllr Mohammed Khan, who is the leader of the council, said: “It’s very important that we take the view of the residents on the issues of the borough because it’s not going to be easy in the future.

“The council is waiting for the Chancellor’s financial settlement for all local parties, which we will find out towards the end of December, and we are not expecting any money from the government for social services and care.

“We will be under serious pressure to provide the same level of services despite the lack of government support.

“We want to make sure before we set the budget that the people and council are on the same page and are clear about what’s going on.”

Opposition leader Cllr David Foster, who is leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: “I always believe the council should only ask a question to residents if the council is willing to look seriously at the answers given.

“Some consultations can be spurious so I hope the council will look at any of the suggestions that come in seriously.”

Sam Morris, CEO of Blackburn with Darwen carers service, said: “We have a good relationship with the council who have placed the care service high on the agenda.

“But if the council make any cuts on the services we provide it will have a massive impact on the numbers of carers we can hire and the level of support we can provide to people who have dementia or a physical disability.”

To give your view visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/bwdbudget