PEOPLE in Rossendale are being asked to have their say on council spending plans for the next financial year.

For the first time Rossendale Council is consulting on its spending options before the budgets are set in February and bosses at the authority want feedback on where people want their money to go.

Council leader Duncan Ruddick said: "This year we have some genuine choices between spending and saving and we are keen to receive the views of our partners and the wider community before making decisions at the council's budget meeting on February 23.

"We anticipate being able to deliver improvements in services whilst setting a below average council tax increase."

The budget proposals are set out in a consultation document available on the council's website at www.rossendale.gov.uk/budgetconsultation2006 and copies are available in libraries and the One Stop Shop in Rawtenstall.

This sets out the cost to the council of maintaining current levels of service as well as areas where it might spend more or less money.

Options being considered for new spending include funding for three Police Community Support Officers, for extensions to the Animal Warden Service and for resources to promote the borough and encourage investment.

The council says savings are also being considered in the Pest Control, vehicle maintenance and above inflation increases in some fees and charges.

Other savings will be achieved through efficiency mkeasures.

The proposals are based on an increase in the level of council tax of three per cent in line with the plans set out in the council's Financial Strategy which was agreed last autumn.

The consultation focuses on three key questions

l Are the issues that have been prioritised the right ones taking into account the need for the council to continue improving its services and the aspiration of local people for a better quality of life.

l Which of the options for additional or reduced spending best reflect the council's priorities.

l Is the suggested level of council tax appropriate for achieving your answers to questions 1 and 2?

All comments from interested parties should be received at the council's financial services offices at the Kingfisher Centre in Bacup by February 10.