Council staff facing 80 job losses praised for dedication (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Council leader praises workforce for commitment as Government cuts bite

6:20pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in News By Barbara Jordan

HALTON Council staff who face losing another 80 jobs on top of 120 last year and 150 in 2010, have been praised for their commitment and dedication.

The local authority workforce has been reduced by 10 per cent as savage Government cuts have axed jobs in the past three years.

Clr Mike Wharton, board member for corporate services, presented this year’s £106 million draft budget to the executive board on Thursday.

He said: “We have set out savings of £15m on top of £20m last year. It has not been without pain.

“We have reduced managers by 33 per cent over the past three years and reduced staff by 10 per cent.

“We have also reduced terms and conditions in negotiation with trade unions, who have been very helpful.

“We should only have a handful of compulsory redundancies. There may even be none.

“We will have to find savings of £25m over the next two years. Protecting frontline services will be even more difficult.”

He said next year’s grant cut by £5m is the equivalent of losing £44 for every man, woman and child in Halton.

A rigorous efficiency programme has cut than £10m and improved procurement, driving down contracts, has saved more than £1m.Relocating staff from rented accommodation at Grosvenor House saved £400,000.

Increasing charges will bring in £369,000 and reducing road maintenance will save £299,000.

Council leader, Clr Rob Polhill said: “I want to pay tribute to our staff. They did not know if they would still have a job yet they continue to come up with the goods for us. They are really committed.”

Clr Tom McInerney said: “This budget has been tortuous but our staff are absolutely tremendous.”

Clr Dave Cargill said: “I want to commend the pragmatic way the trade unions have worked with us on this issue. It has been extremely difficult.

“I know people who are paying mortgages and living on tenterhooks about whether they will keep their jobs. ”

Council tax has been frozen for the second year running.

The draft budget goes to the full council on March 7.