Residents have their say on Sandwell Council spending options (From Halesowen News)

Residents have their say on Sandwell Council spending options

1:01pm Wednesday 19th September 2012 in Local

CASH-strapped Sandwell Council is seeking residents' views on how it should spend their money over the next few years.

A market research firm has been hired to carry out face-to-face interviews with 250 residents and an online survey has been launched.

Questions include whether the council should continue with a free pest control service or introduce a charge for some customers while giving a 50 per cent discount to pensioners and those on income support.

Residents will also be asked if council food safety officers should reduce or increase visits to restaurants and take-aways, and whether the council should reduce or increase the money available to support housing development.

Other questions involve dog fouling, grass cutting, repairs to street lighting and parking charges for public car parks.

Deputy leader and cabinet member for strategic resources Councillor Steve Eling said: "We will be asking about things such as pest control and library services because we want people to have their say in the way the council manages its budgets.

"The information will help us to focus on what is important to people across the borough, particularly at a time when council budgets are being cut and tough decisions have to be made.”

The survey is available at www.sandwell.gov.uk/budgetsurvey and at libraries.The closing date is Wednesday October 3.

Residents who provide their name and contact details will be entered into a prize draw for a £50 high street voucher.