A total of 35 jobs could be axed in Stoke-on-Trent’s new budget as the city attempts to find £34m of savings against a background of central Government cuts.
The city council’s new budget, published yesterday for public consultation after it was agreed by the council, will see £34m savings achieved between now and 2020.
The council has already found £172m of savings over the last seven years.
In total, an additional £10.5m of savings is to be consulted on for 2018/19 as part of the budget strategy — savings that will lead to the loss of 35 council jobs.
The council says its financial difficulties are the result of reductions in Government grants and an increase in demand for statutory services for children in care, older people and people with learning disabilities.
Council leader Dave Conway said: ‘Setting a budget in what is being considered one of the toughest years ever for local authorities is extremely challenging.
‘While we know our Stronger Together strategy is delivering – we are seeing more jobs, more homes and more benefits for the local economy – there is still a long way to go.
‘By law we have to balance our budget – we have no choice. Costs have gone up as demand for our services has increased.
‘At the same time nearly half the money we received from Government has been removed meaning we have to take tough decisions.’
