It's your cash - and your call.

That is the message from Havering Council as it takes to the road to find out how taxpayers want their money to be spent in the coming year.

The council is launching into the new year with a series of forums, a roadshow and a survey, so that Harold people can give their views on the council's plans for the future.

Leader of Havering Council, Cllr Ray Harris, said: "With ever-increasing demands on our services and the disappointing standard spending assessment for Havering (a Government-set budget for councils) we need to know the public's views so that our budgets reflects their needs and priorities.

"The forums provide a focal point and play a vital role in this important consultation process."

The Community Area Forum for Harold Wood and Nelmes area will be on Wednesday, at Nelmes Junior and Infant School at Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch, at 7.30pm. Harold Hill Community Area Forum will be at Harold Hill library, Hilldene Avenue, on January 20, at 7.30pm.

And the roadshow will come to the Harold area when it pulls up outside Tesco's at Gallows Corner, Romford, on Tuesday, and then on January 14, moving to Hilldene Avenue, Harold Hill, on January 16 and 22.

A Havering Council spokesman said: "The Roadshows are part of Havering's Community Plan and budget proposals consultation.

"We provide a wide range of services which face ever increasing demands with limited funds. Every year the council gives people the chance to have their say on spending.

"The roadshows provide an ideal and convenient opportunity for the public to ask questions and state their priorities for council services. Council staff will be available to answer questions.''

This year the public has also been invited to complete a questionnaire on the suggested priorities for the new Community Plan for Havering, which includes making Havering a safer community, improving health and welfare, creating a quality environment and generating prosperity.

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