MONMOUTHSHIRE residents are being called on to work with the council in its budget plans as it faces significant financial challenges.

Monmouthshire council was recently told by the Welsh Government that its funding will be drastically cut far beyond the authority’s expectations.

It needs to find savings of at least £9million next year and a minimum of £23million to help offset a gap between expenditure and resources over the next four years.

To balance next year’s finances (2014/15), services could see their budgets being reduced by as much as 19 per cent.

The council’s leader, Councillor Peter Fox, warned this will mean a loss or changes to council services.

Cllr Fox said: “There are some big decisions that will need to be made over the coming months. Some of that will mean services change, stop or are run by other community groups.”

“It’s important that residents know that we haven’t yet made any decisions about the services that will be affected. That is a conversation we need to have with residents.

"We will be running a series of community events so that residents can share their views and we’ll publicise those soon. We’re relying on our communities to tell us what matters to them and be involved.”

The council is sending information to all households in the county by way of a newsletter.

Those who have ideas or want to get involved should visit www.monmouthshire.gov.uk