Cornwall Council is offering people the chance to quiz councillors online as part of its budget consultation process.

Earlier this month the council published its proposals for saving £196m over the next four years, calling the need for savings "unprecedented".

The authority says that rather than "salami slicing" every service, it has developed a four year plan which will "help protect the three key priority areas identified by the public" saying that these are for the "most vulnerable in society".

These include vulnerable adults, children, older people and the poorest, public transport, and road repairs and maintenance.

The council says it wants to hear the views of local residents, businesses and partners on where cuts and savings could be made at 19 consultation events across Cornwall during October.

As well as broadcasting a live webcast about the budget on the evening of September 30 from the Council Chamber, the council is also hosting a live, two hour online question and answer session on Thursday, September 25, when Alex Folkes, the council’s cabinet member for finance and resources, will be available for people to ask questions on the budget and the future of Cornwall.

Using the council’s existing live chat facility, Cover it Live, people will be able to take part in the live, online conversation both through our website and the main social media channels.

There will be no complicated sign on process, people will simply be able to visit their platform of choice and submit a question or suggestion. The chat will then be shared across all the channels; live.

On September 25, Facebook users should go onto the Cornwall Council Facebook page where they can join the chat live between 12-2pm, while Twitter users can join in the same conversation using the hashtag #haveyoursay.

On Facebook, users will have to click on the Cover it Live tab found directly underneath the page’s cover photo to access the chat.

For those not on social media but with access to the internet, the chat will also be available on the Council’s Have Your Say web pages at http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/public-participation-and-consultation/cornwall-council-budget-engagement-2014/