HOW would you balance Somerset County Council's budget?

The authority's budget is expected to fall by a further £42m by 2019/2020 and the public engagement events team will be on the road asking for your views.

People are being asked to try their hand at balancing its budget with an over-sized set of scales and give their views on its priorities and other key issues at the Listening, Learning, Changing roadshows.

“This is a great opportunity for people to come and tell us what we should be prioritising,” said Councillor John Osman, Leader of Somerset County Council.

“Balancing our budget is going to be a major challenge for the coming year. We have massive funding cuts to absorb and an ageing population –the forecast is that in less than 20 years, people aged 65 and over will make up more than a quarter of the population in almost every part of the county.

"That people are living longer is great news, but it puts increasing demands on the help and support we provide.

“We estimate we need to save around £30m next year and the only decisions left are tough ones.

"I’m committed to making this a council that listens and want to take people’s views into account when we are discussing these tough decisions.”

The roadshow will be visiting:

  • Chard Outdoor Markerton July 25 from 8am-1pm;
  • Minehead on July 31 with a stand in Wellington Square from 9am-4pm;
  • Taunton on August 15 at the Taunton Farmers Market from 9am-3pm;
  • Bridgwater Farmers Market on September 4 from 9am-3pm;
  • Wellington Food Town event on September 5 from 10am-4pm;
  • Wiveliscombe 10 Parishes Festival on September 6 from 10am-5pm; 
  • Junction 24 General Market on September 19 from 9am-2pm

As well as the Balancing Act scales, people can show their priorities by placing coins in the ‘Think Tanks’ and complete a short questionnaire.

The same questionnaire will also soon be available online at somerset.gov.uk/listening Representatives from the council will be on hand to answer questions and fun activities will be available to keep children entertained.