Merton Council is inviting business people who pay rates in the borough to join officers and members to discuss the details of the proposed new budget later this month.

The consultation meeting on Monday 25 February kicks off at 6pm at the Civic Centre. Local businessmen and women with questions or something to say about the council’s 2008/9 Budget and the Medium Term Financial Strategy are all welcome.

Anyone unable to come along can always send their comments to Caroline Holland, Director of Corporate Resources, at Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX, or email the council at local.taxation@merton.gov.uk , quoting their business name and address.

Cabinet members have already studied the proposed budget but the council will take the views of business people into consideration when they come to vote on it on Wednesday 5 March.

Those who would like to come to the consultation should contact Renee Donnelly on 020 8545 3325 to book their place.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, Councillor Samantha George said: “We would like as many local businessmen and women as are able to come along and tell us what they think of the 2008/9 Budget.

“It is important the business community has the chance to have its say on what we are proposing. This feedback helps us in ensuring we put the borough’s residents and taxpayers first by providing them with good value for money services.”

-Ends-