Midlothian Council has recently launched a new phase of its public consultation on the future of local services.
A consultation paper called ‘Choices for Change’ has been produced, setting out options to help the council meet its budget shortfall and giving local people the opportunity to have their say.
Part of the wider ‘Shaping our Future’ campaign launched earlier this year, this latest consultation identifies areas for review in each of the council’s main service areas. Between now and Monday 7 November, residents are being asked which of the options they would support. The consultation findings will then be considered by councillors as they begin to take key decisions ahead of next year’s budget, which has to be finalised by March 2017.
The choices included in the consultation paper cover all the council’s key spending areas including education, health and social care, children’s services, housing and homelessness, waste collection, roads, communities, economic development, sport and leisure, and parks and open spaces. It also sets out how the council is continuing to make savings in its office support, staffing and accommodation costs.
Libraries and customer services consultation - A separate set of options aimed at transforming the way the council’s libraries and customer services operate is also currently out for public consultation. This includes suggestions for changing library opening hours, making greater use of self service technology in libraries and providing more customer service hubs like the one at Mayfield Library. This consultation closes onMonday 14 November.
How to have your say - You can find out more about both consultations online by clicking the links to ‘Choices for Change’ and ‘Shaping our Future’ above, where you can also complete the online survey, indicating which of the choices for change you would support.
Paper copies of the consultation papers and public survey forms can also be picked up in local libraries, leisure centres and council customer service points.
