RESIDENTS can have their say on Selby District Council's budget plans for the next financial year, which includes a proposed rise for its part of the overall bill.

The council is encouraging residents to take a look at the plans and the challenges the council faces and share their views.

They have until the end of February 3 to respond to the consultation.

The proposals will then be considered by councillors at a meeting on February 21, at which point a final decision will be made on spending plans and the level of council tax.

Over the past seven years the council has saved £6million from the cost of delivering its services.

Next year’s overall budget is projected to be £12.1million. The proposed change for the authority's part of the council tax is for a £3 increase in the charge for an average-sized home.

This means that the cost of district council services over the whole year would be £178.22 – an increase of less than 6p per week on the current rate.

District council leader, Cllr Mark Crane, explained: “In coming up with this proposed budget we’ve listened to others and I’m clear that I want to us to be fair to people living in our area by putting forward only a modest increase.

“This increase is less that the rate of inflation. Although our part of the overall council tax bill is only about 10 per cent of the total, it’s really important that we do what we can to keep costs down for people in our area.

“We’ve got a really good track record of doing more with each and every pound we receive. This will continue, so we can carry on delivering good quality services and investing in our district to make our area a great place to live.”

The budget consultation gives residents the chance to review how the council plans to deliver these savings, fund the costs of local services, and invest in the things that matter most to the area.