People living in Uttlesford are being asked to have their say on the district council's budget spending for the next financial year.

Uttlesford District Council is begining the task of setting its budget for 2024/2025.

Each year the council has to decide how much it will spend on the services it provides to the community.

The council has now launched a six-week consultation and is asking for residents' views on what its priorities should be and what their council tax should be spent on.

Following the consultation, the feedback will be considered as part of the final budget proposals for 2024/2025.

Cllr Neil Hargreaves, portfolio holder for finance and the economy, said: "Setting the budget is a very complex process that takes many months, and it is important residents have an input into how we spend their money.

"Like all councils, Uttlesford is having to manage its financial position against increasingly challenging conditions.

"Funding from central government has reduced significantly over the years, a trend that is expected to continue, and we, like others, are impacted by global events and a growing demand on services.

"We are in a better position than most councils due to our good financial management, but resources are limited and we want to ensure they are directed where they are most needed.

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"Through this consultation process we want residents to give us their views so that we can respond to their priorities in the months ahead."

For the current financial year - 2023 to 2024 - the cost of providing council services is budgeted at £19,251,000, after taking into account fees for planning, licensing and car park income.

There are a number of ways in which residents can take part in the consultation.

They can complete a survey online at https://letstalk.uttlesford.gov.uk/uttlesford-district-council-budget-2024-25 or email comments to consultation@uttlesford.gov.uk.

People who do not have access to the internet can submit their comments by post.

Paper copies of the survey are available and can be requested by calling 01799 510510.

The council will accept responses via email, online or paper forms up to and including Sunday, November 5.