Residents are being asked for their views on the services they think Maldon District Council should be making a priority when considering its 2005/06 budget.

Last year, the views of taxpayers in the district were heard at a public meeting but this year, the council has decided to start the process with a survey.

Questions include rating services such as leisure and recreation, environmental health services and waste.

The study also aims to clarify to people how the council tax system works.

Each year, the council receives calls from confused taxpayers.

A spokeswoman said: "To make it clear, for every £1 a Maldon district resident pays in council tax, Maldon District Council gets 12p to deliver all its services.

"The rest is divided up between Essex County Council (73p), Essex Police (8p), Essex Fire and Rescue (5p) and the parish council (2p)."

Published Tuesday August 17, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette