Spending Review: Walsall Council aims to keep services

A Black Country council has said it hopes to maintain as many services as it can ahead of planned government cuts but warned jobs would be cut.

In March, Walsall Council leader Mike Bird said a 10% cut in government funding would mean a 50% cut in staff.

Now, the Conservative-controlled council said community groups may also be asked to run libraries and charities would be asked to do more.

Councillor Chris Towe said it would ensure "important things" were kept.

The cabinet member for finance said: "Of course, when money goes, one of the big expenses are staff.

"There's no question about that.

"So, there will be staff reduction.

"We're not going to be able to do as much as we've done previously, that is a consequence of all that.

"But, we shall ensure that things important to the people of Walsall are maintained."