Leicestershire County Council may make extra £22m cuts

Leicestershire County Council has warned it may need to make further cuts of £22m due to reduced government grants.

The cuts would be in addition to the £66m in savings agreed by the council in February.

The authority said it would be asking residents for their views on how the savings will be made through local meetings and surveys.

The council's cabinet will discuss the extra budget cuts on 7 September.

David Parsons, leader of the county council, said: "We all know the public sector faces incredibly tough financial challenges, but we are going to face these with the help of our residents.

"We are going to take residents with us by directly asking for their advice as we plan the next steps in ensuring that this county provides excellent public services at value for money."

Councillor Max Hunt, leader of the council's Labour group, said: "The cuts are way beyond the level even the most pessimistic officers had predicted.

"Our officers have been working hard for Leicestershire for many years and provide vital services, so it is gutting that we are being told we've got to remove another £22m from the budget."

The authority is already warning 29.5 posts would be lost in the children and young people department.

Savings are also expected to be made in environment and transport services.