Tough decisions for Hounslow's Executive as no one is spared in savings plan

Wide ranging cuts including pay, services and committees will be discussed by Hounslow Council's Executive on Monday 20th December.

Up to £1,525k of possible savings in Corporate Services have been identified including reducing the number of Committees and reviewing the existing Area Committee arrangements. If agreed, the Committees could be abolished as soon as May 2011.

Also included in the proposals are cuts in pay and allowances which would affect all staff and could save the Council up to £3,557.7k. There would be no sick pay for days 1 to 3 of illness and long term sickness pay would be reduced. Merit bonuses would be scrapped and where possible specialisms could be shared with other local authorities thus reducing costs. Civic Centre front office opening times could be reduced to 9.00 to 4.30 cutting staff hours by 30 mins per day.

Up to £300k of possible savings have been identified by reducing the Borough's Park maintenance contract with Laing but this will mean a reduction in service. According to the proposals, the options have not been finalised but are likely to mean a reduction in manned parks, reducing bedding and removing shrub beds. Litter collection, grass cutting in key parks, dog fouling and play maintenance - all of which are high priorities for residents - will be protected.

Full details can be found at http://democraticservices.hounslow.gov.uk/

December 17, 2010