SANDWELL’S biggest employers are to be given the chance to talk to council chiefs on how money is spent on local authority services.

The consultation will also include business organisations, as well as groups representing local firms and the voluntary sector.

The meeting will give businesses a chance to give feedback to the council on its proposals for expenditure for the next financial year.

Bosses will have the chance to tell the council where they think money should be spent and how services for businesses could be improved.

Sandwell Council is required to consult with such groups under the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

An informal consultation meeting will be held on Thursday January 17 at 5pm at Sandwell Council House, Oldbury.

The council’s cabinet will then consider the matter at a meeting in February.

Sandwell’s deputy leader and cabinet member for strategic resources, Councillor Steve Eling said: "It is important that our key businesses are consulted and given a chance to have a say on how they think money should be spent in the borough."

Anyone who wishes to get involved in the consultation should contact Rosemary Jones on 0121 569 3896.