COUNCIL tax looks set to be frozen again this year, but 600 jobs could go at Derbyshire County Council as bosses are today due to vote on £25 million budget cut proposals.
The authority’s cabinet is due to meet today at 2pm to decide wether to go ahead with the cuts, which bosses insist will see them protect frontline services and jobs wherever possible.
For the second year running council tax will not increase under the proposals and the £25 million saving will be on top of savings of around £45million made in the past two years.
The 600 proposed job cuts arrive after the previous two years saw the axe fall on around 800 posts at the authority.
Derbyshire County Council’s Leader, Councillor Andrew Lewer, said: “The squeeze on public spending to help meet the national debt means the council has to cut its spending by a further £25 million in the coming year.
“We are doing what we can to be as efficient as possible and make the very best use of our council tax payers’ money.
“We understand that many people are struggling to pay their bills so for the second year running we are recommending that we freeze our share of the council tax bill.
“Council tax has not been frozen for two years running in Derbyshire before.
“We have got to make £25 million cuts from our budget this coming year and are determined that we protect front line services as much as possible.
“Our budget plans still mean that we are able to spend £116 million over the next few years which will improve our roads, schools and provide new centres for older people.
