How to have your say on plans to cut £35m from Bury's budget

The local authority has opened a public consultation, which will run until December 23, and all residents are encouraged to share their views on the proposed budget and potential savings.

The council has identified a budget gap of £35m for the three years up to 2028, with £9.4m in potential savings already identified.

This leaves a remaining gap of more than £22m, most of which needs to be addressed in the first year.

Cllr Sean Thorpe, cabinet member for finance, said: "We understand how important it is for the people of Bury to understand and be involved in our budget decisions.

"We are, again, faced with huge challenges caused by insufficient funding, huge increases in costs, and an ever-increasing demand for services, particularly in adults' and children's social care, which together take up nearly three-quarters of our budget.

"We are in the bottom 20 per cent for council funding, and our spending power in real terms has been slashed over the past decade.

"We have already found £150m in savings over that period."

Council leader, Cllr Eamonn O'Brien, added: "Bury is one of many councils facing a significant budget challenge.

"We are seeking to manage this through a mixture of cost savings and economic growth from investment, with major regeneration projects underway in Radcliffe, Bury and Prestwich.

"We want to hear from residents about how the council continues to invest in the borough while managing diminishing resources.

"This is our home, and we all want to ensure that our borough thrives for generations to come."

Residents can have their say on the budget by visiting the council website.

The council is keen to involve the community in the decision-making process, and the feedback received during the consultation period will be taken into account before the final budget is set.

The council is also calling for a complete review of the way councils are funded.