More than 700 people have already had their say in City of Wolverhampton Council's consultation on £13.5 million of proposed cuts.

The consultation has only been open for just over a week and plenty of people have already completed the Type=links;Linkid=7722;Title=online survey;Target=_blank;.

The first in a series of public meetings where people can learn more about the proposals will also take place this week.

The council, which continues to manage Central Government funding reductions, is giving people the chance to express their views on a series of proposals before the 2017/2018 budget is set in the Spring.

The proposals are a combination of cuts, more efficient ways of working and plans to generate additional income.

They include significant changes to waste and recycling services where it is proposed to introduce fortnightly collections of non recyclable waste and introduce a charge for garden waste collections.

The consultation also asks people for their view on a proposal to raise council tax by 3.99% which incorporates the Government's charge of 2% to cover the rising cost of adult social care.

As well as the online survey - which can be completed at Type=links;Linkid=7722;Title=Budget Consultation 2017 to 2018;Target=_blank; - people can also attend a series of public meetings at venues across the city.

The first of these take place on Thursday (3 November) at the Bob Jones Community Centre, in Bromley Street, Blakenhall at 6pm.

Senior councillors and officials will attend and will be able to answer questions from the public about the savings proposals.

Anyone who participates in the consultation can enter a competition to win a 3 month platinum membership which can be used at any of the city's 3 WV Active leisure centres offering unlimited swimming, gym and classes.

Councillor Andrew Johnson, cabinet member for resources, said: "We genuinely want to hear what people think and we will take those views into account before we set next year's budget."

The consultation will run until 14 January 2017.

  • released: Tuesday 1 November, 2016