Ideas flood into Telford & Wrekin Council suggestion box
More than 150 money saving and efficiency ideas have landed into Telford & Wrekin Council’s Suggestion Box in the first two weeks since its launch.
Suggestion Box gives borough residents and council staff an opportunity to come forward with their ideas for new ways to deliver services differently to help the Council save money or increase income.
Anyone can submit their suggestions at www.telford.gov.uk/suggestionbox
Among the ideas received so far are:
Extending the areas covered by the Council switch off of streetlights – the Council has started switching these off in non-residential areas between midnight and 5am.
Making better use of local residents to get work done in the borough
Making small investments that encourage more business and tourism into the area
Looking to involve the private sector and other organisation more in some services
Encouraging more home working for council staff, saving on the costs including office space, utility bills and cleaning
Some of the most recent ideas that have been suggested are featured online at www.telford.gov.uk/suggestionbox
The Suggestion Box forms part of the Council’s move to a Co-Operative Council, , where residents, local organisations and staff have a greater stake and say in shaping frontline services and the way the Council operates.
Cllr Shaun Davies, Cabinet Member for Co-operative Council & Partnerships, said: “As a Co-operative Council we need to involve and give our residents a say and the opportunity to shape our direction around their priorities.
“We’ve had a great response so far to the Suggestion Box, with people putting forward some really interesting and innovative ideas. I promise that we will investigate each and, where we can, put those that help us to deliver our services more efficiently or help us to save money into action.”
Telford & Wrekin Council faces around £25million cuts in Government grants by 2014. The combined inflation pressures mean the Council must find £35million in savings over the next three years.
The Suggestion Box scheme forms part of the wider ‘Your Views Matter’ campaign which will seek residents’ views on a wide range of council policies and services.
