Have your say on Mid Devon's cash priorities

Residents invited to give their opinions

More than 450 Mid Devon residents so far have given their views about how millions of pounds spent on key services in their area should be prioritised.

Mid Devon District Council spends £17 million providing services to residents, ranging from rubbish collections to leisure services and planning.

As part of the district council’s ongoing survey, people can continue to have their say for another three weeks on where they think cash should be spent.

The council said its biggest single expenditure in terms of services is £2.2 million for recycling and waste collection, followed by £2 million on planning and enforcement services, and £1.6 million on property maintenance.

More than £4 million of savings have been found in the past decade, it said, as finds ways to fund the services it is obliged to provide.

However, the money to pay for these services continues to reduce, creating a gap of more than £5 million across the next five years.

This presents a challenge, as the council is legally obliged to balance its budget each year.

The survey opened at the start of the month and runs until Wednesday 13 December.

Topics include climate change, dealing with economic pressures, and listening to how communities feel about services and where improvements could be made.

The survey is anonymous and a summary of the results will be published on Mid Devon’s website.

It can be completed online, while those needing assistance to complete the survey or who want a paper copy, can call the council’s customer services team on 01884 255255.