SWINDON Council will this month launch an in-depth investigation into the services it provides and how it spends its money.

Finance director Ian Thompson will kick-start the crucial strategic review with a presentation to all councillors on Monday, June 17.

The cabinet will then hold a special meeting to discuss the study before considering it again at its meeting on Wednesday, July 10.

The council decided to conduct the study following the winter's traumatic budget-setting process, in which cuts were suggested across the board.

The council is now keen to avoid the year-on-year brinkmanship of formulating a budget to tight deadlines.

It is hoped the review will help it prioritise services, identify potential savings in its budget and enable it to draw up a three-year spending plan.

The intention is to complete the review by October 30.

Council leader Sue Bates (Lab, Gorse Hill and Pinehurst) said: "The strategic review will be of absolute importance to this council and I think it is important that all members will have a chance to have some input.

"What I would like to do before laying down any proposals is find out what the other members think. It might be the consensus that we should go out to public consultation."

Conservative leader Mike Bawden (Old Town and Lawn) has been pushing for the review to be launched in recent weeks. He warned that the process will be packed with tough decisions and is keen that the public should be asked their views.

"I'm glad to see the council facing up to one of the main criticisms levelled at us by the external auditors, who told us that we are living beyond our means," he said.

"They questioned whether we were using the resources we have in the most efficient and effective way possible and we need to look at that in minute detail now."

Liberal Democrat deputy leader, Wendy Johnson (Old Town and Lawn) said: "It is obviously important for us to make sure our services are planned effectively and that we are using ratepayers' money efficiently.

"But we also need to be cautious about tying ourselves into commitments and not being flexible. The review needs a great deal of thought and investment of time."