Public's opinions are sought on Bristol's budget

People living in Bristol are being asked their opinions on how the city council should manage its budget.

Liberal Democrat leader Barbara Janke said the city is facing big challenges on the future of public services.

She said: "This will be a tough time, but I'm fully committed to seeing that our approach reflects what the public thinks, and reflects their priorities."

Ideas can be posted on the council's budget blog or through suggestion boxes in public buildings.

People who wish to contribute are asked to consider:

• How the public sector can achieve better value for money through efficiencies or more joint working

• Areas of work that while important, could better (and more efficiently) be delivered by people other than the existing public sector agencies

• Any public services that in tough financial times could usefully be cut back or stopped altogether

Towards the end of the year the council will publish detailed proposals on its budget plans for next year which it hopes will incorporate many of the ideas initiated or contributed to by the public.