Durham council cuts 1,600 jobs to save £100m

A North East council is to axe 1,600 jobs over the next four years.

Durham County Council confirmed it would ask its 10,000-strong workforce if it wanted to retire early or accept redundancy to try and save £100m.

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.

Funding for youth centres, libraries, museums, and sport and leisure centres will all be affected.

A statement from the council 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."