Sefton Council's Tourism Service could be abolished as part of
the next round of cuts. The Council are carrying out a consultation to find out
what people think. It is important that the Council hears from as many
residents as possible.
The Tourism Service supports the Sefton Visitor Economy
(worth £374 million), of which 74% (£278 million) is spent in Southport and
generates 5,300 jobs in the town.
Proposals could cost 1,000 jobs
Sefton Council itself says that: "At least 22% of
Southport’s tourism expenditure is directly enabled by Council destination
marketing, events, conference sales and contracts – and is therefore at risk if
the Tourism service ceases. This equates to approx 1,000 jobs at risk, with a
cost to the Exchequer of £7m per annum and to the Council of £1m per annum
(council tax rebates, housing benefit etc)."
Sefton Council has to find total savings of around £70
million in a three year period. The target for savings next year (2012/13) is
£20 million. All services across the council are being looked at to see if
savings can be made. Your views will inform the Sefton Cabinet, which will meet
February 2012 to agree what to recommend to the full Council for decision.
To take part in the consultation on the Tourism Service
click on any of the Have your say here links on this page, which will take you
to Sefton's consultation. Then click the Give us your views button on the consultation page and answer
the questions. If you want to see the proposals in full click on the Documents
tab on the consultation page.
The consultation ends on the 13th of January.
