THOUSANDS of people have taken part in a consultation on Wirral Council's budget options. 

The consultation, which closes this Friday, is seeking people's views on a range of options to help balance the budget for next year.

The authority needs to save around £40million next year, but has asked for permission from Government to borrow around £23.5m to help offset Covid-19 costs.

This leaves £16.5m that the Council will have to find to offset its general increased costs.

In December, Wirral's policy and resources committee agreed to consult the public on options for savings and generating extra income being put forward.

Options being looked at range across the authority, from changes to bins collections, car parking charges and maintenance of parks and open spaces amongst many others. Major reductions in council "back office" functions are also being proposed.

After the consultation closes on Friday January 22, all contributions will be analysed. A full report reflecting the full range of responses will be put together to help councillors in making decisions about the options being looked at.

More than 2,000 people have filled in the questionnaire at the council’s consultation portal website, while hundreds more took part in online Q&As with council leader Cllr Janette Williamson.

Cllr Williamson said: "First of all thank you to everyone who has filled in the questionnaire, joined the Q&As, contacted their councillor to tell us what you think of the options being looked at to balance the budget.

"The last thing almost any councillor wants to do is consider any of the cuts being put forward in this consultation.

"However, we have to face incredibly difficult decisions because the council is in such a perilous financial situation.

"But I can guarantee to everyone who takes part in this consultation that your opinions matter to us.

"This consultation is a vital part of the budget setting process and the opportunity for the people of Wirral to have their say on the options before any final decisions are made.

"And for those who still haven’t taken part - please use this opportunity to get involved and tell us your views before the consultation closes."

To take part in the consultation see https://haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk/ The consultation portal will close 11:59pm on Friday January 22.