Lib Dem South Somerset asks residents how they think money should be spent.

12.00.00am GMT Mon 12th Nov 2007

Local businesses, town and parish councillors and members of the public will have a say on how South Somerset District Council spends its money and decides on priorities at their annual State of the District meeting on Thursday 22 November.

In the groundbreaking meeting, many issues will be considered and it will be an important opportunity for the community to get involved in which services should take priority in next year's budget.

There are 100 places for members of the public to come along and have their say, and South Somerset District Council is inviting anyone who would like to come along to telephone Saveria Moss on 01458 257436 to book their place.

This year's meeting will ask of the community a range of thought provoking questions like: "If you had £50, would you rather spend it on street cleaning, or would you spend it on supporting a village hall or play area?"

Cllr Paul Robathan, South Somerset's Portfolio Holder for Finance, Revenues and Support Services says, "This is an opportunity for any one of our residents to get directly involved in telling us what is important to them. We will all sit down together and find out what people want the council to spend money on and what they do not, and explore the difficult decisions we constantly have to make.

We will be using a well known type of participatory budget setting which is an opportunity for the public to give us guidance in setting our priorities. Town and parish councils have been invited, as well as many local businesses and all the members of the local strategic partnership that includes, amongst others, the police, health and fire organisations and the voluntary sector.

South Somerset District Council is recognised nationally for being at the forefront of community involvement and leadership. We are always open to new ideas and concepts and will be looking for contributions from individuals and groups on the night.

We want to work together and for people to help us make a real difference. This meeting will play a big part in laying the foundations for our priorities next year."

The meeting will be held at The Council Offices, Brympton Way from 6.15 pm and will involve several workshops that will look at spending priorities for 2008/9.