Elmbridge's Conservative-run council is to 'ask a little' from residents this year in order to 'save a lot'.
The borough expects another challenging year in which it will be required to find £1.1million savings, in addition to the five million already trimmed from the budget in the six years of this Conservative administration.
Councillor John O'Reilly, leader of the Conservative Group at Elmbridge Council, pledged there will be no cuts to services this year - but in order to protect the services residents value and rely on, a modest rise in council tax will be required.
This will be in addition to the first rise in parking charges for three years, and between them the measures will generate around £450,000.
Councillor O'Reilly said: "2013 will be another challenging year financially and further savings will need to be found. The good news is that we will not be cutting any services for the next year, but we will be asking residents for 'a little to save a lot'."
Residents will have a chance to find out more about the council's plans and priorities at a special event at Elmbridge Civic Centre on January 22nd.
'Let’s Talk Elmbridge: Priorities and Prospects’ starts at 6pm and will have free tea and coffee alongside informal marketplace stalls where attendees can find out more about Council services – including Olympic highlights, textile recycling, changes to housing allocations and volunteering.
The Police will also be coming along to discuss community safety issues. After the marketplace event, there will then be a public presentation and Q&A session from 7pm.
Local residents are invited to register online at http://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/Council/information/prospectsandpriorities1… for their place.
Councillor O'Reilly added: "This is a great opportunity for residents to find out about local services, the Council’s plans over the coming year and our longer term plans for the future. Elmbridge’s Chief Executive, Rob Moran and I will also be answering any questions from local residents, so do come along to have your say."