FREE parking at council car parks in Northwich and Winsford could end under plans by Cheshire West and Chester Council to balance its books.

Reductions in central Government funding mean the authority has to bridge a £47 million financial gap between 2016 and 2020, a 17 per cent cut to its net budget.

People are now being asked for their views on a range of cost-reduction options which could save £35 million.

Suggestions are also being invited as to how the council could further increase its income or reduce its spending to find the remaining £12 million.

The authority has launched a public consultation called Let’s Talk to gather views on its plan and budget proposals for 2016 to 2020.

Cheshire West provides free parking in Northwich and Winsford at its car parks, but that could change under the budget plans.

The authority is proposing to develop a new car parking strategy, which could save up to £1.5 million, and includes implementing new enforcement measures and possibly introducing charges in areas of the borough which currently do not charge for parking.

Other proposals include reviewing the number of councillors, reducing pension costs for councillors and reducing their local budgets.

The authority has 75 councillors, and will ask the Boundary Commission to explore the feasibility of reducing that figure.

The council believes there may be potential to cut the number, subject to a full review and consultation. The total could fall following the 2019 council elections, and would save £188,000.

The document said: “As a result of a Government decision to close the local government pension scheme for councillors we can reduce our costs by £167,000.”

Currently councillors have an allocation of money to fund local projects in their ward, but the council plans to reduce that figure due to financial pressures.

In addition it is planned to introduce a new framework to ensure the remaining money is spent on priorities identified in the Council Plan. Overall this could save £375,000.

The council is also looking at reducing its office buildings, saving £2.2 million in running costs.

The council says Let’s Talk sets out 10 priorities to make Cheshire West and Chester a place with thriving residents, flourishing communities and a prosperous economy.

Council leader Samantha Dixon said: “We are determined to deliver the best possible services, improve the quality of life for all residents and tackle disadvantage.

“This major document sets out our new vision and priorities and details how we want to make a difference over the next four years.

“But to ensure we can fund our priorities we must find new ways of working. We expect central government to cut our main grant to zero by 2020. By this point we will have saved £115 million since 2010.

“This means difficult choices will need to be made about what the council protects, does differently or stops doing altogether.

“What is crucial is that every pound we spend improves the lives of local people. So it is vital these decisions are shaped by our residents.

“I would therefore urge people to let us know their views about our priorities and how we can raise our income or reduce our spending.”

The consultation runs until January 6. There are a number of ways that people can get involved and have their say:

Visit www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/letstalk for full details and to complete an online questionnaire, or pick up a paper copy at any Cheshire West and Chester library, Brio leisure centre or council office.

Use the online budget simulator via the above link to make decisions on priorities and suggest how the Council might allocate its budget.

Join the conversation on social media - find the council on Facebook or tweet @Go_Cheshirewest using the hashtag #Letstalkcwac

Join one of the Let’s Talk consultation events taking place throughout the borough. Full details at www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/letstalk.

Email letstalk@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk, telephone 0300 123 8 123 or write to Let’s Talk, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Council Offices, 4 Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BE.

Final proposals will be considered at the council’s annual budget setting meeting in February 2016.