East Lothian Council has set up a blog on its website so that residents and local groups can comment online about how the council should be spending its money over the next three years.

It's simple to use. Users just click on the 'You pay… now have your say!' logo on the right hand side of the home page of the council's website at www.eastlothian.gov.uk  They will be linked to a blog where they can read a detailed budget consultation paper and leave comments.

The online facility is designed to give local people the opportunity to set out their own priorities when it comes to maintaining and improving local services and facilities in their area. The council is asking residents if they think that public money could be spent more wisely, to keep the council tax down or to divert funds to more pressing needs.

All interested parties have until 19 December to respond with their views. The council will agree its three-year budget at a special meeting in early February of next year.

Residents can also express their views by emailing youpayhaveyoursay@eastlothian.gov.uk or writing to David Spilsbury, Head of Corporate Finance, East Lothian Council, John Muir House, Haddington EH41 3HA. Copies of the budget consultation paper are available on the Council's website, in area offices and libraries or by telephoning 01620 827873.

ENDS

Issued by Rob Sinclair, Communications and Marketing, 14 November 2008. Tel. 01620 827741. Email drussell@eastlothian.gov.uk