Fareham council could cut 12 jobs to save £1 million by April

The News has learnt that Fareham Borough Council’s executive are set to decide on proposals that would axe the positions as part of cost-cutting measures at the local authority.

The posts, nine of which are vacant, would save the council £379,000 a year.

To find the remaining cuts, potentially raising council tax for Band D properties, bringing in a new property team, reducing overtime and cutting the training budget are among the proposals being considered.

Currently, the council receives funds from the government in the form of revenue support grants but this is due to be scrapped by 2020.

Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of the council said: ‘The government is forcing cuts on us and we now have to accommodate this to balance the budget.

‘Of course any job losses is a sad and unfortunate 
thing but we have managed to do it right to make sure the redundancies are not as big.

‘There will be pain for those who would lose their jobs but it could have been carnage.’

He added: ‘We would have the right number of people that we need and a more efficient system.’

Departments affected by the cuts include estates, 
the benefits team and planning.

The report, which is due to be published today, states: ‘The council spends around £15m a year on the workforce, and this is by far, the largest of the council’s budgets.

‘As such, it is inevitable that savings will need to be made in this area and that this will result in some post losses.’

The council employs 425 people.

The methodology behind the cuts comes from the Vanguard method – which has overhauled the council’s systems since it was brought in back in 2013 at a cost of £300,000.

Councillor Chris Wood, Ukip leader on the council, said: ‘If the council can still cut jobs and still be able to provide the same services then I’m on board with it. Although, I can understand it will be hard on those affected.’

The council’s executive will decide on the 
proposals at a meeting in the Civic Offices on Monday, October 10, at 6pm.