A BUDGET update from Northumberland County Council revealed it will have to slash a further £27m.

In a bid to cut costs, the county council has identified how the authority will save £24m over the next three years.

The update takes into account changes to various funding pots, additional spending pressures and previous savings which have not or may not be met.

Proposals for the additional savings will go before the council’s cabinet next month, followed by a seven-week budget consultation.

The proposals were discussed by the authority’s corporate services committee on Monday, September 24, with a report explaining that this was in advance of the the Local Government Finance Settlement for next year.

The £24m is made up of efficiencies from almost every department of the council, including £3.8m from children’s services over three years.

Another £10m will come from adults, wellbeing and health, through the likes of ‘managing staff budgets in relation to turnover and vacancies.

Changes in service delivery and grants in the culture, arts and leisure department will save another £1m up to 2022.

Planning, housing and resilience will also see a reduction of £1.6m by maximising income from housing services for third parties and planning fees and charges.

The council will also cut ‘operational efficiencies’ in the fire and rescue service.

A further £3m of savings still need to be identified, although it may be necessary to use council reserves to cover the shortfall.