East Lancashire's largest borough is asking its residents how they want to see their council tax spent, as the cost of living crisis bites.

An online survey has been launched to help the authority's political bosses determine its spending priorities for the next financial year.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is starting to work on its budget for the 12 months from April 2024 to March 2025, and is asking for the opinions of residents, businesses and partners on what should be in it.

The web-based survey is live on the council's website until 11.45pm on Friday, December 1, and takes about five minutes to complete.

It includes questions on how rising living costs are affecting people locally.

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Phil Riley, said: "We are making good progress against the targets we have set ourselves.

"However, we cannot stand still and the ongoing development of our key plans and spending priorities is vital in making sure we provide the best services our residents want and need.”

Cllr Vicky McGurk, Blackburn with Darwen Council's finance boss, said: “Over the last 15 years, central government grants have decreased with austerity measures and there have been a number of councils over the last couple of years who have effectively declared themselves bankrupt.

“Thankfully, we are not in that position because we have taken difficult decisions in the past and we have a robust financial and forward planning systems in place.

“However, there should be no mistake – increased costs and cuts to funding has hit every council hard and Blackburn with Darwen is no exception.

"The council is affected by the cost of living crisis like everyone else and this creates challenges in deciding where best we use our limited resources."

Every resident of the borough aged 16 and over can complete the survey which is on the Blackburn with Darwen Council website.