Watch: Video released as 1,700 take survey on £77 million Shropshire Council cuts
More than 1,700 people so far have taken part in a survey on plans to cut £77 million from Shropshire Council's budget over the next five years.
Last month the local authority launched The Big Conversation, a public consultation which includes a survey on the council's website asking residents for their thoughts on the services the council should provide.
Already the council has reported a big response to the survey, and has now released an animated video to encourage the public to get involved.
Produced by the council and posted on YouTube, it illustrates the financial challenges Shropshire Council faces over the next few years.
It also explains how the council's budget is spent and asks residents what they can do to help Shropshire Council's £77 million budget deficit.
Councillor Claire Wild, Shropshire Council's cabinet member leading the consultation, said: "Like all public services, we face spending cuts in the coming years and we're looking at ways to address this challenge.
"We've already had a great response to our 'Big Conversation' with over 1,700 people taking part in the survey so far. However we still want to ensure all local people have the opportunity to share their views and urge those not yet involved to watch our video and take part in our survey."
The Big Conversation was launched in the wake of news that government cuts will leave the authority with only a quarter of the funding it currently receives – leading it to stop providing of a number of services.
The survey will run until Monday, January 4, and will be followed by further conversations with local people, partners, community organisations and businesses across the county in 2016. Visit shropshire.gov.uk/big-conversation
People can also print a copy off for those who do not have internet access, and A paper copy is available from libraries or customer service points. Alternatively people can call Shropshire Council and request one, or complete the survey over the phone by calling 0345 678 9077.
