Senior councillors in Leeds are set to discuss plans to reduce staffing levels by 750 by the end of the 2024/25 financial year.
Leeds City Council yesterday published its initial budget proposals for 2024/25 which identifies ways to save a further £58.4m.
Among the proposals to be discussed on Wednesday 13 December are plans to cut 750 full-time equivalent posts by the end of the 2024/25 financial year.
The council is currently consulting with trade unions to avoid compulsory redundancies.
Council tax will also increase by 4.99%, and fees and charges for adult social care will be reviewed if the proposals are signed off. More car parks will also see charging introduced.
Leader of Leeds City Council Cllr James Lewis said: ‘We know some of the proposals we have set out today will be unpopular as they will have a challenging impact on people’s lives.
‘As is increasingly being seen around the country, councils have only very difficult choices left to use to balance their budgets, meet the needs of residents and not risk being driven to the point of financial distress. Local government cannot continue in this way, it simply isn’t workable.’
Unison Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Brendan Cafferty said: 'This news is bitterly disappointing for staff who now face a Christmas of stress and uncertainty - but it’s also incredibly worrying for the people of Leeds.
'These cuts mean some people will lose their jobs, and others who rely on council services will see the support on offer change dramatically.
'Leeds City Council is under massive financial pressure after 13 years of cuts from the government, but it shouldn’t be loyal staff and the people of Leeds who pay the price for that.'
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