The leader of Lichfield District Council has reassured campaigners that their views will be considered before any final decision on funding cuts is made.
The local authority is looking to plug a £1.7million hole in its budget and has embarked on a Fit for the Future review to identify potential savings.
Councillors and campaigners got their first chance to discuss the proposals, which include considerable cuts to areas such as community and leisure services, at a meeting of the overview and scrutiny committee.
“The discussion that took place at the meeting was very valuable and I would like to thank all the members of the panel for their input and comments,” said Cllr Mike Wilcox, leader of Lichfield District Council.
“At the meeting panel members recognised that, due to stark cuts in government funding, the Fit for the Future programme is both necessary and timely, but they also raised concerns about the impact the reducing budgets will have on our communities.
“Our Cabinet members are now considering this feedback, as well as comments from other partners and stakeholders, in preparation for the Cabinet and Council meetings in July when the Fit for the Future first phase proposals will be considered.”
The chair of North Lichfield Initiative – which faces closure if the proposed cuts go ahead – described the council’s plans as “short-sighted and wrong”, while Labour’s Cllr Sue Woodward said taxpayers would ask serious questions if cuts went ahead while money will still being given to the Garrick Theatre.
