ROTHERHAM Council is axing up to 60 jobs, closing a library, reducing museum opening hours and increasing charges as it makes £20 million of budget cuts in the coming year.
The authority, which has already lost 1,000 staff since the start of budget cuts two years ago, said ‘difficult decisions’ have had to be made.
Rotherham Council’s budget for 2013-14 is being reduced by £20.2m to £221.474m – but council tax is to remain frozen for a third year running.
Kimberworth Park Library will be closed because there is another branch within a mile, while opening hours of Clifton Park Museum will be reduced and charges increased at Rother Valley Country Park.
Grass verges will also be cut every three weeks instead of two.
Rotherham Council leader Coun Roger Stone said: “Our workforce has been reduced by over 1,000 people in the last two years alone and that includes an overall reduction in management of more than 19 per cent.
“A further reduction in staff will affect between 50 and 60 full-time posts and all staff have been subject to a national three year pay freeze.
“But despite these uncertainties we must thank our staff who have continued to work extremely hard to deliver on the tough challenges we all face.
“It is not going to be easy but we believe Rotherham has a long history of innovation in the face of adversity and challenge and this will continue.”
The council said despite the cuts, it would make the safeguarding of children a top priority. Other plans include improvements to care services with new equipment, assistive technology and adaptations, help to promote new start-up businesses, and assistance for Rotherham’s Credit Unions.
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