PEOPLE are being asked how they would like to see their money spent by Craven District Council as it prepares to set its revenue budget for the next financial year.

The council collects bins, runs housing and homelessness services, licensing and planning, environmental health and bereavement services.

It also runs Skipton Town Council, which is undergoing a multi-million pound re-development, and Craven Leisure, in addition to Aireville Park; and also works to support a range of community groups, businesses and services across the area.

With continued reductions in Government funding, the council says it is facing significant challenges in balancing its budget, and needs to save a further £1.275 million over the next four years, up to 2023/24.

The savings target for 2021/22 will be £576,000. At the same time, it is also fighting for survival with looming local government reorganisation.

Meanwhile, the budget consultation started on Monday, and will run throughout the second national coronavirus lockdown for six weeks, until Sunday, December 13.

Council leader, Cllr Richard Foster, said residents paid an average of just £3.40 per week, per household for the services of the council.

“We provide a huge range of services to residents here in Craven, and those services have continued throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. We have also provided a great deal of support to local businesses and residents throughout these challenging times.

“Craven District Council collects bins, cleans your streets, supports economic growth in the district, helps local community groups and businesses, develops affordable housing, provides excellent leisure and arts facilities, and much, much more.

“In the last year, we’ve completed the development of an amazing new children’s playground in Aireville Park, and started our £5 million Skipton Employment and Housing Growth Project. We’ve started our £4.5 million transformation of Skipton Town Hall. We’re supporting a £2 million project to upgrade canal towpaths through Craven. We’ve created a Joint Venture Company to deliver regeneration and development in the district. We are achieving all this whilst acting to reduce our impact on the environment.”

He added: “We already have challenging savings targets and the council income has suffered due to the pandemic, due to issues such as the temporary closure of Craven Leisure, and our decision to temporarily stop charging in our car parks during lockdown.

“We know that setting a balanced budget will not be easy. Government grants, which used to make up a significant proportion of the Council’s income, have been cut in the last few years and are set to further reduce going forward.

“As expected the Revenue Support Grant reduced to zero in 2019/20 and other grants have also been significantly reduced too.

“This is why it’s more important than ever that we hear from our residents. We need to know your top priorities. We need your views on how we spend your money, and how savings could be made in the future. What do you think we do well, and what could we improve? Please take part in our consultation and let us know.”

To find out more go to the council’s website www.cravendc.gov.uk/yourmoneyyoursay

People can also write or email comments, to find out how, telephone 01756 700600 or email budget@cravendc.gov.uk