A budget blog opened on Monday 10th May 2010 on The Highland Council's web site: www.highland.gov.uk, giving the public the chance to have their say on options for achieving major savings over the next three years.
The blog, fronted by the Council's Budget Leader Councillor David Alston, is an important part of the Council's budget consultation which will run until the end of June.
The blog begins with discussion topics on education and will continue with new topics every 10 days.
The Council aims to make decisions on the budget savings in the autumn of this year.
Councillor Alston said: "We have posed some big questions in our consultation documents and intend engaging with as wide an audience as possible in addressing the budget challenges we will face over the coming years.
"This is the first time we have used the web to engage with the public on the Council's budget and I am sure we will attract a large number of constructive suggestions as to how we can achieve the savings required over the coming years. Already some very good ideas are coming forward."
The Council has already held budget consultation meetings at Lairg and Wick and these will continue throughout the Highlands until the end of June as follows:-.
24 May: Tain and East Ross Ward Forum - Tain;
31 May: Joint Lochaber Ward Forum - Nevis Centre, Fort William;
1 June: Inverness Landward Ward Forum - Culloden Academy;
9 June: East Sutherland Edderton Ward Forum - Brora
14 June: Skye Ward Forum - Portree
16 June: Dingwall and Seaforth Ward Forum - Dingwall
17 June: Cromarty Firth Ward Forum - Ardross
18 June: Highland Youth Voice - Sleat, Skye
21 June: Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Ward Forum - Lochcarron
22 June: Inverness City Ward Forum - Town House, Inverness
23 June: Badenoch and Strathspey Ward Forum - Boat of Garten
30 June: Nairn Ward Forum - Nairn
In addition, a new Citizens' Panel will be asked for its views. Already more than 2,000 people have indicated a willingness to take part.
Council staff and trade unions will continue to be encouraged to identify where savings can be made.