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Durham Council to axe 1,600 jobs

ONE of the region’s councils is set to shed 1,600 jobs over the next four years in a bid to save £100m.

Durham County Council will ask members of it’s 10,000 strong workforce if they wish to retire early or accept redundancy in the cost cutting exercise.

A spokesman said the council had to make savings of £100m over the next four years - more than twice the amount it expected it would have to save.

The move will see funding for youth centres, libraries, museums, and sport and leisure centres affected.

A Durham Council spokesperson said: “Since the general election, the council has had to completely review its financial plans to respond to the unprecedented spending reductions imposed by the Government.

“As well as coping with additional spending cuts of £18.6m earlier this year, the council, must plan for a 28% reduction in the level of Government support it will receive over the next four years.

“The council will make significant efficiencies as a result of its on-going modernisation programme and as a larger council, has more scope to realise savings.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .