FINANCIAL support to two community services could be at risk due to budget cuts.

North Dorset District Council has warned it will have to make 'difficult choices' amid cuts in funding.

The council has balanced the budget for 2016/17, but says it faces an even greater financial challenge in 2017/18 due to reductions in Government grants.

It is facing a budget shortfall of £2.5m over the next three years with £1.4m of this needing to be achieved in the next financial year.

Now residents are being asked to have their say on two district council budget options as ways to save money are considered.

A formal public consultation has been launched to gather views on budget options concerning the Citizens' Advice Bureau grant and Community Development Service.

The options identified are based on "financial analysis, stakeholder engagement and service knowledge", the council says.

Cllr Andrew Kerby, community safety and wellbeing portfolio holder for North Dorset District Council, said: “We have a long history of supporting the CAB and appreciate the valuable contribution they have made over the years. The fact that the grant has remained untouched through increasingly difficult times is a reflection of this.

“However, like many councils, we are facing a dramatic reduction in Government grants, so in order to continue to provide statutory services, we need to make some tough choices.”

For more information and to fill out the consultation questionnaire, visit: dorsetforyou.com and follow the links to 'have your say'.

Paper copies will be available at North Dorset District Council reception.

The consultation will close at 5pm on Monday, November 28.

The results of the consultation questionnaire will be published on dorsetforyou.com after the closing date and will inform councillors when they come to make budget decisions in February 2017.