Budget savings agenda

COUNCIL chiefs will thrash out the latest budget proposals at a meeting on Monday in a bid to find a way of saving £24million.

Oldham Council’s Cabinet will study a report outlining the proposed savings to balance the £235million 2012/13 budget.

The Chronicle revealed in September how 400 jobs are set to be axed. The authority is reviewing changes to employee terms and conditions, which it claims could save around £1.5million a year, in an attempt to reduce the number of compulsory redundancies.

Lib-Dems have raised concerns about suggestions to cease paying sick pay for the first three days of illness. The council says the proposals have been subject to a consultation exercise with residents and staff.

The council found £40million in savings last year. It’s estimated that between 2009 and 2015 it will have saved £130million.