Consultation starts on the first major proposals to help Wirral Council close the budget gap for the coming year.
The consultations will ask for people’s views on the proposals for the closure of Woodchurch Leisure Centre, reduction in municipal golf provision, shutting the “fun” pool at Europa Pools Leisure Centre and remodelling of Wirral Tennis Centre.
The move is part of a wider package of measures to address a significant gap in the council’s budget for the forthcoming year.
Further information on the proposals and the budget-setting process including other savings options being considered is available here: Wirral View Budget Proposals 2022-23 
The consultations start 31 January 2022 and last for eight weeks. The easiest way to find out about the consultations and take part is via the council’s online portal here: haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk/ Paper copies of the consultation are available on request.
To take part follow the link:
- Europa Pools Leisure Centre proposal
- Woodchurch Leisure Centre proposal
- Municipal golf proposal
- Wirral Tennis Centre
Consultation on other budget options is due to follow, while the consultation on changes to the electoral cycle is already underway – you can find out more and take part in the elections consultation also through the Have Your Say website
The budget measures are being put forward because Wirral Council is facing significant financial challenges and is currently going through a detailed process to set a budget for the next year.
The council is legally obliged to set a balanced budget or risk Government intervention, and the savings measures currently being proposed are intended to put the authority on a stable financial footing for the long-term.
At this stage, no final decisions on any of the budget proposals have been made and councillors have requested these consultations to allow all views to be considered.
Following the consultation, the next step in the budget process will be for members of the council’s policy committees to scrutinise the savings proposals taking into account the comments from the public, including any suggestions on alternative ways of making savings. This will take place, following the closure of the consultation, around late May or June, when decisions will be made on these budget proposals.
Why not follow birkenhead.news on Facebook and Twitter? You can also send story ideas to news@birkenhead.news
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter