Business chiefs learn about town's budget

WARRINGTON’S business community has been given a chance to find out about what the council’s budget position means for them at a Town Hall meeting.
Business leaders were able to raise issues that matter to them, including new developments, transport, and look of the borough, and made some suggestions for how, by operating differently, the council could save money, and Warrington residents could still benefit.
Cllr Russ Bowden (pictured), lead member for corporate resources and assignments,
explained the council’s new approach to budget setting, and why he is keen to listen to businesses whenever a suggestion comes up, rather than wait for next year’s annual consultation.
Cllr Bowden said: “Warrington’s business community has really grown in the last couple of years, and we are keen to continue this trajectory. Business growth means jobs for local people, better health, and better life chances, so we are keen to hear from businesses about how we can work together to further contribute to Warrington’s economy in the future.
“We have to save £31 million from the council budget by 2017, but rather than make cuts from individual departments as we have done in previous years, we are thinking longer term and looking at the future needs of our residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
“As our budget reduces we will need to do things differently and we will have difficult choices to make, but by working with businesses and other partners we can achieve much more than we could on our own.
“We want your ideas for changes and developments now. Good ideas come along all the time – don’t wait, share them.”
To share views on how Warrington Borough Council could do things differently visit www.warrington.gov.uk/strongwarrington or email [email protected]