TRAFFORD Council is launching a two phased public consultation around the 2016/2017 budget and hosting a series of seven public forums over the coming weeks.

The first phase, looking at options, will be during September, with the second phase, to consult on specific proposals, starting in November.

Town hall bosses need to make savings of around £20 million in 2016/17followed by another £14 million the following year.

But council chiefs say they cannot do this on their own and want residents to ‘have their say’ about options they are looking at.

Council leader Sean Anstee pointed out that they had already had to save £96 million since 2010.

He said difficult decisions would have to be made over the coming months, but that the council is confident in its ability to do this.

He said: “The council is committed to making sure it continues to provide the best possible, sustainable, value for money services for local people.

"Unfortunately we are in a position where we cannot possibly continue providing these in traditional ways. We remain steadfast and committed to ensuring wherever possible we protect jobs and maintain services which support the most vulnerable in Trafford.

"We are clear in our responsibilities to our communities. This has seen us encourage local people, businesses and partners to be involved and help influence our decisions. Over the past few years our final decisions have always been shaped by the suggestions and views we have gathered and this year will be no different.

"As part of this year’s consultation we are once again hosting locally based drop in events and I would urge as many people as possible to take a few minutes to attend and let us know their views.

"By working collaboratively in this way we will be able to find out more about ways we can support residents, but equally importantly ways people can build on the outstanding local activity which is already underway and build new connections so people can support each other. This builds on the strong sense of community spirit and pride we see every day in our local communities.”

While it is not necessary to register in advance for any event, it would be helpful for the Council to know in advance how many people are attending.

Residents therefore wanting to register in advance will find details about how to do this on the dedicated website.

The event dates, times and locations are: September 9, 6pm – 8pm - Urmston Library, Golden Way, Urmston, M41 0NA.

September 15, noon – 2pm - Waterside Arts Centre, Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF.

September 15, 6pm – 8pm - Altrincham Town Hall, Market Street, Altrincham, WA14 1PG.

September 23, 6pm – 8pm -The People’s Church, Chapel Lane, Partington, M31 4EY.

September 26, 10am – noon - St. Matthew's Hall, Chapel Lane, Stretford. M32 9AJ.

September 29, 6pm – 8pm - Old Trafford: Seymour Park Community Primary School, Northumberland Road, Old Trafford, M16 9QE.

September 30, 6pm – 8pm -Waterside Arts Centre, Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF.

Residents will be able to find out more about this year’s budget options and consultation and give their feedback on line at www.trafford.gov.uk/budget