Members of the public have been asked what they would do if they were in Exeter City Council's shoes and needed to cut its budget by £1million.

The council held a budget simulation event where people were invited to have a go at two tasks in which they decided where the council should be spending its money or making cutbacks.  Full story in the Express&Echo.

There is a similar budget simulation exercise on the council's website at www.exeter.gov.uk/budget2010. It is available until December 24. People's views will help to inform the council's decisions in January.

The event and the internet simulator have attracted some criticism but has also been defended by councillors and those attending the event as a simple and accessible way to better understand the difficulties faced in budgeting decisions.