MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council launched its draft budget proposals and engagement process in December amidst what they describe as a set of ‘significant financial challenges’.

Household Waste and Recycling Centres will introduce the use of permits for Monmouthshire residents. No charge will be paid for the permit.

They are aimed at reducing use by the public from neighbouring counties. In turn, the permits will reduce the waiting times at Monmouthshire sites for residents.

The council is also considering limited day closures at its recycling centres, the pattern proposed avoiding weekend closures.

There are also proposals to introduce new reusable hard wearing polypropylene plastic bags which will end the use of red and purple single use bags.

The council claim this will improve the quality of material collected for onward recycling as well as reduce the use of single use plastics.

The bags will hold more recycling and create an increase in kerbside recycling.

A comprehensive list of the proposals can be found on the website: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/budget-2019-2020

A range of engagement opportunities will be available to provide residents with an opportunity to hear about the draft proposals and the wider budget context for the council and enable residents to share their thoughts.

There will an ‘Access for All’ Forum - Budget Special on Friday January 11 at 10am to 12noon at County Hall, Usk. The event is described as an opportunity to enable people with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities and older people to have their voice heard and contribute to consultation and engagement processes.

Communities are also welcome to attend area committee forums to hear information based on their locality. The North Monmouthshire Area Committee will meet on January 30 in Llanfoist Village Hall at 1pm.