Members of the public are being encouraged to comment on potential changes to local services on Pembrokeshire County Council’s social media pages.

The county council’s net revenue expenditure budget is around £200 million a year, which is used to provide local services such as education and social services.

However, cost reductions and efficiencies are being made as a result of cuts in government grant; increased employment costs; an increase in demand for adult social care and inflationary pressures.

Over £25 million in savings have already been made in the past few years but substantial savings will also need to be made in the next three to four years.

Around 40 budget reduction ideas are being considered as part of a consultation on the budget for 2016-2017 and beyond, which the council is currently running on its website.

Ideas are being posted daily on council social media pages for feedback and debate.

Clr. Jamie Adams, leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “We will be facing substantial budget pressures in 2016-2017, which means we need to look at making changes to services that many people use regularly.

“It is important that local people take advantage of the opportunity to give their feedback in order to help inform the tough decisions that council will have to make in the coming months.

“Encouraging debate and feedback via social media is not something that we’ve tried to this extent before and I think that it provides a fairly easy way for people to comment on potential changes to important local services.

“In particular, we’re pleased to be able to provide an avenue for people who may not have the time or inclination to attend meetings or complete questionnaires.”

Proposals attracting lots of attention on social media so far have included increasing the cost of school meals, and extending the time that people may have to wait to have for phone calls to be answered by the contact centre.

Join the debate between now and January 4 on www.facebook.com/PembrokeshireCountyCouncil and www.twitter.com/Pembrokeshire

You can also give your views via the website at www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/haveyoursay

Hard copy document are available from libraries, customer service and leisure centres, or ’phone the contact centre on 01437 764551.

An ‘easier to read summary’ version has also been produced.

The deadline for responses is Monday, January 4.