Initial results from the Redbridge Conversation 2012 show that the majority of people who have taken part so far support proposals to get a better deal from suppliers and review housing management services to help save money.
Since launching earlier this month 400 people have completed You Choose – the online budget tool - which invites residents to accept or decline the Cabinet’s 2012/13 budget proposals and suggest alternatives.
You Choose shows how much the Council currently spends on services and how much the Council can save. Those completing it are required to balance savings and spending to save £7 million in the overall Council budget for 2012/13.
Residents who have taken part also felt strongly that the Council should be raising income from increased charges for planning and building services, registration and legal services as well as licensing costs. There is less support for restricting access to Special Educational Needs transport for over 21s and many people did not want the Council to reduce spending on Community Safety.
Last year the Council agreed a three-year plan to save £25m in total after the Government reduced public spending. This means that Redbridge, along with all councils, is having to significantly reduce its costs while protecting frontline services as far as possible.
We have already cut costs by £14m this year and are on track to meet our three-year target. Now we want residents to tell us how those savings can be made while protecting frontline services as far as possible.
Last year more than 4000 of you had your say and the 2011/12 Budget was broadly in line with your views with a focus on reducing the costs of running the Council.
The Cabinet will receive a report on the early findings from You Choose and meet Tuesday 14 February to agree any Budget changes. The Council will set its Budget for 2012/13 on 1 March.
Read the summaries explaining how the savings affect each of the Council's departments.Tell us what you think by joining the Redbridge Conversation 2012 here.