FEWER than 30 people have taken part in public consultation meetings over proposals for millions of pounds of cuts to Newport council’s budget, it has emerged.

The authority says it is vital that people take part in the consultation, and there are further meetings set to take place on Thursday.

The public consultation on proposals to deliver £25 million in savings over four years is currently consulting on a range of proposals, stretching from public toilets to council tax rises.

It has planned three days of meetings for residents to discuss the plans, but a council spokesman has told the Argus that 25 people attended the two that have taken place so far.

The consultations took place at Malpas Court, on December 16, and Newport Stadium, on December 18, with two sessions on each day.

The spokesman added that as of last Thursday 12 people had contributed to the consultation online.

No letters had been written in by that date.

The figures are in contrast to recent consultations over finances at Monmouthshire council.

There more than 450 people gave their own money-saving ideas following a series of community engagement meetings in Abergavenny, Caldicot and Monmouth.

Proposals in the consultation include raising council tax by five per cent every year for four years, Newport libraries closing for one day a week, shutting public toilets and ending the budget for the Newport Ship.

A Newport council spokeswoman said: “Newport City Council’s cabinet has put forward a comprehensive list of budget proposals for public consultation as it seeks to save £25 million over the next four years.

“Every aspect of the council’s operation is being examined and it is vitally important that people take part in the budget consultation and use this opportunity to share their views.

“Residents can have their say via the online consultation, in person at a public event, write to us or contact us via social media – every response will be reviewed and considered before any final proposals are taken forward.”

Further budget meetings are taking place at Newport Centre on Thursday at 12pm to 2pm and 5pm to 7pm.

The consultation closes at midnight on Friday January 24.