AN ‘ever deepening’ cash crisis is unfolding as Halton strives to care for its most vulnerable residents, warns council leader Rob Polhill.

Runcorn and Widnes residents face the biggest ever council tax rise of 4.9 per cent as the local authority is proposing to add a three per cent levy on top of this year’s 1.9 per cent increase with approval of the full council on March 8.

However, as 85 per cent the borough’s properties are in the lowest three bands, the additional precept instigated by the government will only raise around £1 million towards the £4.2 million cost of adult social care.

“We will still face a shortfall of more than £3 million for adult social care,” said Cllr Polhill.

“I am extremely concerned. We’ve got to look after our elderly and vulnerable. This has always been a priority for us.

“This is an ever deepening crisis because the government is just sitting back and telling us to raise the money.

“People already pay national insurance and income tax. This is another form of tax and just doesn’t bridge the gap.

“We are desperately trying to make them aware we need a sustainable solution. I’m appalled that they can get away with this.”

Balancing the 2017/18 budget, he said, has been ‘extremely tough’ as the council faces cuts of £11.7 million in each of the next two years and £9.2 million in 2019/20.

By 2020, the authority will have lost £63m, which is 61 per cent of its budget, since 2010.

As people live longer, more elderly residents need support in their own homes or residential care.

The NHS, he said, is already struggling to cope with demand as older patients ready for discharge wait for suitable accommodation.

“We need to look after these people,” said Cllr Polhill.

“By working closely with our partners we hope to alleviate the problem but the government has got to do something.

“It’s like a war effort.”

A comprehensive package of savings through increased charges, efficiencies and cuts has been drawn up.

Jobs are being lost through freezing vacancies, voluntary redundancy and early retirement.

Since 2010, 455 posts have gone.

“We must pay credit to our staff,” added Cllr Polhill. “We have lost a lot yet people who are left are going the extra mile.

“Our employees are doing an excellent job but we can’t deliver the same quality of service. People will notice the cuts.”