Leicestershire County Council has warned that it will have to cut around 250 posts over the next four years if it is to balance its budget.
The local authority is facing a budget shortfall of £16.6m in 2024/25 rising to £91.8m in 2026/27.
It has published an in-depth financial plan which includes an extra £57m investment in support, major capital investment and a 5% council tax rise.
The plan also includes service cuts and efficiency savings which the council warns will involve a reduction of around 250 posts (full time equivalents) over the next four years. It added that the number of compulsory redundancies ‘will be much lower.’
Deborah Taylor, deputy council leader, said: ‘Difficult decisions lie ahead. Our priority is ensuring vulnerable people continue to receive services they depend on, despite soaring year-on-year demand. And we’ve earmarked £16m more for next year but this means reducing services elsewhere.
‘No one wants to ask residents to pay more, especially during a cost of living crisis. These are unpalatable choices for us but with inflation driving up our costs, a Council Tax rise vastly reduces the impact on vital front line services.’
