Residents urged to have say on council spending

Bin collections are among essential services covered by the budget

People living in North East Lincolnshire are being urged to have their say on the council's future spending plans.

North East Lincolnshire Council is drafting its budget for the next financial year and is encouraging residents to be part of the process.

The authority said it wanted to invest in improving opportunities for people and businesses, while upholding statutory services such as road management and bin collections.

The consultation period will run from 18 November until 13 January. Residents will be able to share their views on the council's website.

Councillor Stephen Harness said: “Here in North East Lincolnshire, we are determined to work together with partners to build a strong future.

"By looking at different ways to invest in our people and continuing with our economic regeneration, we can work towards achieving this.”

The council acknowledged the financial pressures it is facing, after the cost of social care rose to 66% of its overall budget, up from 43% a decade ago.

Harness said the authority was looking at how it could "work differently" to tackle the issue. This included a "transformation" of children's services and efforts to help adults to live independently.

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