Council cuts – Up to 1,400 jobs to be lost

Plans have been revealed to cut up to 1,400 jobs at Hull City Council.

The proposals are part of a package of measures unveiled today aimed at making �50 million worth of savings at the authority next year.

Council leader Carl Minns said he could not rule out compulsory redundancies but hoped most staff would be able to leave voluntarily.

He added: "In order to make these savings it is going to be necessary for the council to reduce its workforce and it is inevitable that there will be a number of redundancies.

"Any staff that could be affected will be fully consulted with and it is hoped that more staff will be able to leave the organisation through voluntary redundancy."

Other proposed cuts include the closure of three council-run residential care homes for the elderly.

Councillor Minns said the vast majority of savings would be achieved by re-organising so-called "back office" functions at the council, reviewing all internal activities and by reducing the number of buildings on the authority's books.

Some libraries are expected to merge with nearby council customer service centres.

A proposed freeze on council tax charges from April funded by a one-off Government grant has also been confirmed.

* See tomorrow's Mail for full details.

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