People are being asked to comment on Norfolk County Council's budget-setting process as the authority looks for ways to reduce a potential £17.5m funding gap next year.

Last year the council consulted on proposals to save £189m over three years. The latest forecast is that the potential funding gap next year (2015 to 16) has grown by £13.7m because of uncertainty over savings, cuts in grant, and growing demand on services.

The council is now inviting people to suggest ways to be more efficient, and asking people for their views on the four-year council tax freeze.

David Harrison, deputy leader of the council said: 'Every Member of the council has a part to play in drawing up the 2015/16 budget, so the views of Norfolk people will help them keep in touch with the public mood and weigh the merits of different courses of action. Once specific proposals emerge, people can be assured that there will be further consultation on these before final decisions are taken.'

Comments can be made via the 'Norfolk's budget and services 2015-18' link on the council's www.norfolk.gov.uk.

Budget and financial reports will go to service committees up until the budget meeting of the policy and resources committee on January 26, which will make recommendations to council.

The 2015/16 budget will be set by the full Council at its budget meeting on February 16 2015.