Jobs to go at Southampton City Council

Dozens of posts at Southampton City Council are being cut as the council goes through a transformation plan.

The Labour-controlled authority had a predicted £39m budget shortfall for 2024-25 and was granted exceptional financial support from the government.

It meant it could borrow to cover revenue costs but had to take part in a review of all its services.

The council leader said that exercise had cut the deficit to £26m but "difficult decisions" were being made about the workforce.

It is expected that 136 -168 full-time equivalent posts are to go, about 5% of the total number at the council.

Many will be lost by not filling vacant positions but the council said between 67 and 99 occupied posts will be removed in the next two years.

The majority will be in adult social care but all areas of council work could be impacted.

"There are ways we can deliver services in a much more cost-effective way" said council leader Lorna Fielker.

"We haven't moved with the times enough and taken advantage of technology."

In February, Southampton City Council was one of 19 authorities granted a capitalisation directive by the government.

It meant it was allowed to use £121.6m of capital resources - selling-off assets and buildings - to raise money for one year.

It included up to £52m to cover a "potential equal pay claim liability" with an equal pay audit reviewing different working practices that have been in place in parts of the organisation. That work is ongoing.

The council still faces a predicted £18.2m deficit for the next financial year 2025-26.

Ms Fielker said next week's Autumn Budget may provide more clarity to local councils.

She added a Solent devolution deal, with Portsmouth, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight was still a desired position to give more "local control over government money, meaning we can target inequality and deprivation".

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