Mark Whitehead 18 November 2015

Portsmouth warns of 100 job cuts

Residents of Portsmouth have backed a rise in council tax to help protect services as part proposals which will also see 100 job cuts at the council.

The city council says its proposed budget aims to safeguard as many services as possible despite tough financial challenges.

About 2,500 residents, council staff and businesses responded to a survey asking which services should be protected.

More than 80% backed a council tax increase currently set at 2% and due to be finally decided in February.

The proposed budget includes £11m of savings in the next financial year.

The council says it has already made £75m of savings over the last five years and needs to find a further £31m in the three years from 2016/17 out of £125m of the spend it controls.

In the survey a majority of respondents backed cuts including funding for community centres, sexual health services and bus companies.

Council leader Donna Jones said meals on wheels services, heating subsidies for older people and city centre road cleaning would be protected.

'No one wants to make cuts to services but in today's very tough financial climate, we're faced with extremely difficult decisions,' she said.

'I've looked at every response and, wherever possible, we've tried to make proposals in line with the feedback from local people.'

The council estimates 100 jobs will be cut, a third of which are already vacant.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Assistant Director for Adult Social Care Operations (Neighbourhoods)

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Grade D £99,219 - £110,712
As a borough we are committed to providing outstanding care and support to enable our residents to lead healthy, fulfilling and independent lives. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

You Choose Key Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220
Are you passionate about helping young people realise their potential? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Monitoring and Compliance Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152
Are you looking for an opportunity to play a key role in the planning process?   We are seeking a self-motivated individual with excellent stakeholder Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Apprentice Joiner

Durham County Council
£15,434 per annum (£8.00ph) NMW
Earn.  Learn.  Qualify. Are you looking for an opportunity to gain valuable experience, earn a salary, and achieve a recognised qualification at the s Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Recovery Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 - £30,024 – £33,699 per annum (Pay award pending).
Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of people experiencing hoarding and self-neglect behaviours?   As an Agile Recovery Worker within o Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner