More than 250 jobs would be cut by Hounslow Council over the next four years to help save £35.1 million, under budget proposals revealed today.
The ruling Labour group plans to slash 67.4 FTE (full-time equivalent) posts during 2015/16 alone as it reduces spending by £10.9m next year. Not all the posts going will necessarily result in redundancies.
It claims cuts in central government funding mean it must save £59m in total by 2018/19, on top of the £60m cuts it has already made over the last four years. The council has yet to decide how to make up the £23.9m savings shortfall.
Reducing the frequency of grass cutting, shortening opening hours at the Civic Centre and slashing spending on library books are just some of the planned belt-tightening measures.
The proposed savings package was published ahead of next Tuesday's (October 28) overview and scrutiny meeting, where councillors will get their say on the plans before cabinet members vote on them.
Where might the axe fall?
* The council wants to reduce the use of Heston House and other residential care by supporting more people to live at home
* It plans to reduce the number of children in care by increasing support and safeguarding
* Childcare providers would be charged for training and support
* Opening hours at the Civic Centre would be cut and security reduced
* Council staff would be charged to park at the Civic Centre
* Rents at Western International Market are set to rise
* The council wants to revise parking permit charges and introduce virtual permits
* The council aims to reduce grass cutting costs by two thirds by summer 2016
* Private schools would be charged for recycling collections and the number of public recycling sites would be reduced by a third
* Wheelie bins would be rolled out borough wide, reducing the amount of waste going to landfill
* Spending on library books would be reduced, while the 'online offer' is improved
* The council plans to find 'alternative management models' for Redlees Artist Studios and Paul Robeson Theatre
