Surrey County Council to debate 'tough choices' ahead

Dr Povey said the public sector faced tough choices in the coming years

A council leader has urged residents to have their say on the "tough choices" it faces over public services in Surrey.

Council officials will join police and NHS staff to debate the changes.

Dr Andrew Povey, the leader of Conservative-controlled Surrey County Council, said it was "essential" residents had their say.

He said the council needed to find extra savings since the results of the Spending Review last month.

'Tough choices'

He said: "Before the government's spending review the council knew it had to make savings over the next four years.

"As a result of the announcement, the council will need to save £40m to £80m more over the four years.

"Tough choices will have to be taken by all of us in the public sector over the next few years."

The debate takes place at Salesian School in Chertsey at 1900 GMT on 18 November.