COUNCILLORS will have a chance to comment on budget proposals at a meeting in the new year before any major decisions are made.

A joint meeting of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s Scrutiny and Policy Committee will be held on January 9.

The committee will be invited to comment on any areas relating to the budget for 2014/15 and put those comments forward to the management committee, which is responsible for producing proposals for the budget and council tax.

Councillors will be reminded that the financial picture continues to be ‘very challenging’ and that a ‘radical shift’ is necessary to meet those challenges. The partnership with West Dorset District Council is key to finding further savings and generating additional income, a report says.

It adds: “The main budget options for 2014/15 are those identified in February when setting the current year’s budget – ie parks and open spaces, festivals and events, Mayoral service and council tax increase of just under two per cent.”