600 jobs at risk in fresh Northumberland Council cuts

Nov 21 2009 by David Black, The Journal

AROUND 600 more posts are set to be axed at Northumberland County Council as embattled town hall bosses seek a further round of budget cuts of up to £30m next year.

County leaders will meet later this month to examine a number of “financial scenarios” aimed at achieving the massive savings without having to slash front line services, bring in a big council tax hike or make large-scale compulsory redundancies.

Yesterday it emerged that the scale of the cuts required will mean between 400 and 600 posts being axed from the 8,500-strong workforce – on top of the 800 which were shed this year.

Higher charges for home and day care for elderly people, a review of care packages and branch library closures are being considered as part of the cost-cutting package.

Last night opposition councillors claimed other front line services will suffer from the savings, with leisure centres, public transport subsidy, highways and refuse collection also in line to be hit.

Conservative group leader Coun Peter Jackson said: “The worry we have got is that there will be a whole series of cuts which will affect communities and vulnerable people across Northumberland.

“They are missing the big point, that there is a structural problem within the county council that needs to be addressed.”

Liberal Democrat leaders of the unitary authority say spending on front line services will remain strong, with commitments of £159m for schools, £139m on adult care, £70m on housing, £18m on the fire and rescue service and £35m on transport.

Current budget estimates are based on a council tax rise of 2% in 2010/11 - but the final target for savings could be anywhere between £30m and £20m.