WEST Dorset district councillors will soon be seeking the views of residents, businesses and other key groups about the future role of the authority.

A three-year programme to review district and borough council services across West Dorset and Weymouth and Portland has been agreed.

West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council have already saved around £3million a year through their shared services partnership.

It sees one workforce delivering services for both authorities.

Financial forecasts show the two councils will need to find considerable further savings or additional income.

Between 2010-11 and 2015-16 West Dorset District Council’s government grant will reduce by 52.5 per cent or £4million.

West Dorset District Council leader Robert Gould said: “Our two authorities are taking a proactive approach and tackling this in a managed way.

“The service reviews will help ensure the councils are able to provide appropriate and affordable services which best meet the future needs of local residents and businesses.”

The first reviews under the ‘2020 vision – your future council’ title, will begin in April with decisions on any changes to services made by each council in the usual way. They will include extensive public consultation.

To see the agreed programme of reviews go to dorsetforyou.com/2020vision