Visit your markets to influence Council priorities

Pop up stalls will open at the markets in both Blackburn and Darwen as part of wider efforts to listen to views about the Council’s budget pressures and priorities for the coming year (starting in April).

During the sessions on Tuesday, 23^rd February, people will be given the opportunity to ask questions and get answers about the range of services the Council provides and make their own suggestions on how to make reductions or increase income.

Simple activities will be offered to help bring the process to life.  The special stall, run by Councillors and Council officers, will run between 10am and 12noon in Darwen Market and 1pm and 3pm in Blackburn Market.

These events are in addition to the online survey  which will remain open until the end of that day. The results will be then considered as decisions are taken at the Council’s Finance meeting on 29^th February and the months to come.

Councillor Andy Kay, Executive Member for Resources at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

Nothing beats speaking to people in person. This is like any other advice surgery we hold, but it will have a financial focus.  We want to capture as many views and ideas as possible. Your Council has some more really tough decisions to take again this year, as we make a start on tackling the £48million gap in funding we face over the next four years.