Spending plans set to be revealed to Derbyshire Dales residents

The next round of area community forums will be held by the district council in February in Matlock and Bakewell, and will feature feedback on a recent budget consultation and what the council’s share of local council tax is likely to be from April.

The busy agenda will also include an update by Digital Derbyshire and BT on the roll-out of fibre optic broadband locally.

The forums will take place at Bakewell Agricultural Business Centre on Wednesday, February 17 and the Town Hall in Matlock, on February 23.

All start at 7pm and anyone who can’t attend in person can email questions in advance to [email protected] or via the district council’s Facebook and Twitter pages @derbyshiredales.

District council leader Councillor Lewis Rose OBE, said: “In recent years we have been able to freeze our share of council tax thanks in no small part to the incentive payment offered by government to local authorities who made no increase.

“That incentive isn’t happening this year and this, together with a further cut in settlement funding, means we face a tougher challenge than ever to protect in the coming year the key services we provide for the people of the Derbyshire Dales while at the same time making savings of around £1-million.

“We look forward to answering questions on these challenges at the February forums as we analyse the main areas of our revenue budget and capital programme.”

The forums provide an opportunity for residents informally to meet representatives of the district council and other organisations.

A question time session will enable audience members to ask questions and make comments and suggestions to the various representatives from participating authorities. For more call 01629 761302.