PEOPLE across West Devon are being asked to give their views on the borough council?s budget for 2006/07 by completing a short survey in the council?s newspaper West Devon Today. A copy of the newspaper is inserted in today?s (Thursday) Times and the survey is on page 4. The council would like residents to have their say on important financial decisions covering a range of issues from spending on day-to-day services to financing major projects. Did you know that West Devon Borough Council receives just 12% of your council tax - around £158 a year for the average band D property ? to fund the services it provides? People are being asked if they would like to see the garden waste collection extended to an extra 6,500 households in the borough, and whether they see social housing grants to enable people to have decent affordable housing as a top priority. These are just some of the questions the survey asks. The answers will help shape the future of West Devon and help the council make some crucial decisions in deciding where its funds should go. The completed survey needs to be sent back to the council by Friday November 4. Place it into an envelope and send it free of charge to Budget Survey, West Devon Borough Council, FREEPOST PY104, Tavistock PL19 0BZ. You do not need to put a stamp on the envelope. Alternatively, surveys can be handed in to West Devon Borough Council?s offices at Kilworthy Park, Tavistock or Oaklands Drive, Okehampton. Tourist Information Centres in Bedford Square, Tavistock and the Museum Courtyard in Okehampton will also receive them. People can also make their views known by clicking on to the survey online at http://www.westdevon.gov.uk/budgetconsultation">www.westdevon.gov.uk/budgetconsultation The council will be making a final decision on the budget in February 2006.
