How should Newham save £50million next year?

That’s the challenge being posed by the council, who have launched an eight week consultation into how it should make the savings.

It will allow residents the chance to speak up about the services that matter most to them, with the results helping the council set its budget for the next financial year.

Cuts in government funding and cost pressures including rising demands for services have contributed to the high figure.

The £50m that needs to be saved is more than the council’s current spending on street cleaning, waste collection, street lighting and libraries combined.

Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: “These savings are by far the biggest challenge we have faced in recent years and it is one the council and the people we serve need to tackle together.

“The savage nature of the cuts means we have no choice but to make some really difficult decisions which will have implications for the services and support we provide our residents now and in the future.”

Newham has already had to save £106m since 2010 and will need to make further cuts by 2019.

Next year, the borough will receive £284 less per home.

Sir Robin added: “Over the last five years we have managed to protect the services that matter most to our residents but the continuing nature of these harsh and unfair cuts means we need to take more radical action and need our residents to get involved.

“This is why I would urge as many people as possible to ensure they make their views known through this consultation.”

The consultation can be completed online at newham.gov.uk/budgetchallenge or at street stalls and meetings throughout the eight week period.

Paper copies can also be obtained from libraries and community centres across the borough.

The consultation closes at midnight on Sunday, October 11.