COMMUNITY leaders are faced with having to slash more than £1 million - around a tenth of their budget - from their spending next year.Suffolk Coastal is seeking residents' views on what savings it should make as it prepares for some tough decisions this autumn.

COMMUNITY leaders are faced with having to slash more than £1 million - around a tenth of their budget - from their spending next year.

Suffolk Coastal is seeking residents' views on what savings it should make as it prepares for some tough decisions this autumn.

And a special interactive game on the council's website that residents can play to see what impact their changes would make to the budget is also being launched in a bid to help with the changes.

Last year there was controversy as the council announced it was pulling out of funding beach awards and some gardens, possibly charging for use of toilets, and putting other projects on hold.

It is now holding a series of meetings to get residents' ideas on savings and efficiencies.

Council leader Ray Herring said the next meeting would be held at St John's Church Hall, Princes Road, Felixstowe, on Monday October 17 at 7pm.

He said: “Despite having saved around £5 million since 2001, external factors and expected government funding decisions means once again this council is having to examine all aspects of its spending and services.

“We are trying to let as many people have their input into our budget at this early stage. Our final decisions on next year's budget will not be made until the end of February but to find £1m of efficiencies from a budget of just over £12.5 million is not an easy task.

“There are no easy solutions as so many of our services are ones we must either provide by law or because the government sets us tough performance targets linked to future funding.

“Gaining views from across the district will help us meet this latest challenge.”

Invitations have been sent to business and community groups but if any group is interested in sending a representative to the meeting they can ring 01394 444361.

Anyone wanting to send the council their views on efficiencies and savings can email budget2006@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk or write to Freepost RYLA-BTTE-CKTR, Suffolk Coastal District Council (Budget 2006), Melton Hill, Woodbridge, IP12 1AU.

How do you think Suffolk Coastal should save money? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk

WEBLINK: www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk