Havering Council is asking residents to have their say on its £12million savings proposed for next year - which include plans to hike parking charges and axe Romford's Sunday market.
Council leader Ray Morgon said the plans are part of Havering’s “make or break budget”, which must be approved by April next year.
A range of other proposals are in the council’s online survey, which comes as the authority bids to close a £31m shortfall next year.
Cllr Morgon said the council is considering these “difficult and painful” decisions as it is “on the brink of financial crisis” due to high demand for services, low government funding and inflation.
READ MORE: Havering Council £12m savings measures - what are they?
He added: “We know that the proposals in this consultation will mean significant changes to what we do and how we do it, and that those changes will impact many residents.
“We are launching this budget consultation to give residents the chance to share their views on how our budget proposals might affect them, the people they know and their communities.
“We are living in challenging times, but I promise we will continue to act in the best interests of residents and to listen to their views while we do all we can to present a balanced budget, which we must do by law.”
In the consultation launched on Thursday (November 9), which runs to December 18, the council is proposing to increase its share of council tax by 4.99 per cent.
This means band D properties – charged £1,653.99 by the council this year – would see an increase of £82.53 to their annual bills.
Residents are also asked to share their views in a 15-minute questionnaire on what Havering’s priorities should be next year from options including an ageing population, housing and unemployment.
Several changes to parking fees have been tabled, including charging at all council on-street car park pay and display sites on Sundays and at parks.
The council also wants to increase its pay and display charges by 40 per cent and scrap 50pc discounts for early payment of penalty charge notices if they are challenged.
The council also wants to carry out a “full strategic review” of its children’s centres and early help services, as well as axe Romford's Sunday market.
Three public consultation events are planned for residents to come and discuss the budget plans in person, including a meeting at Havering Town Hall on Thursday November 16, Langtons House in Hornchurch on December 4 and an online meeting which is yet to be confirmed.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which oversees funding for councils, has been contacted for comment.
A spokesperson for the department previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the council’s core spending power increased by more than 9pc last year.
However, the department has repeatedly refused to respond to the council’s complaint that its formula for funding councils is “woefully” outdated.
Havering's cabinet also agreed to ask the government for permission to take out a loan towards its services.
To take part in the budget consultation, visit https://consultation.havering.gov.uk/corporate/budget24/.
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