AIREBOROUGH, Horsforth and Wharfedale residents are being invited to comment on Leeds City Council’s new budget proposals.

The authority, suffering from the financial impact of the pandemic, needs to plug a £119 million gap in its budget for 2021-22.

It is considering a number of cost-cutting measures which include closing up to half of the city’s bowling greens, shutting Ellar Ghyll tip at Otley and closing Leeds Sailing & Activity Centre at Yeadon Tarn.

It is also proposing a council tax rise of 4.99 per cent - a 1.99 per cent increase in the core tax combined with a 3 per cent rise in the adult social care precept. A public consultation has now begun and can be completed at www.leeds.gov.uk/budgetconsultation.

The survey’s introduction says: “Councillors will see the results of this consultation before they make a final decision on the budget in February, 2021. Your views will help to make sure the final decision is in the best interests of the city and its residents.

“By law we have to address the £119 million gap we have estimated in the budget for the next financial year so we have developed a series of savings proposals.

“We must look again at how Leeds City Council delivers services to residents, and we want these decisions to be informed by your views and opinions.”

The survey can be completed in about 15 minutes.