RESIDENTS are being invited to help decide the council's budget for the forthcoming year.

Sevenoaks District Council will be holding a meeting where residents can find out what the authority spends taxpayers' money on and voice their concerns and opinions on future financial priorities.

Cllr Brian Ramsay, cabinet member with responsibility for finance, said: "Listening to residents' views is an essential part of our annual budget setting process.

"We are keen to encourage people to attend our public budget meetings so they can have their say and influence our future financial priorities."

As part of setting the 2007 to 2008 budget, the council is also due to consult with its residents' panel, which consists of 1,000 people who represent the district.

There will also be a town forum in Swanley on November 13, at the President's Suite, White Oak Leisure Centre, Hilda May Avenue, Swanley, at 7pm.

Residents can also log onto the council's website to contribute.

The meeting will take place on October 11, at the Youth Centre, Ash Road, New Ash Green, at 7pm. For more information, visit sevenoaks.gov.uk