Portsmouth Labour '˜more concerned than ever' as leaders prepare for £9m cuts programme

A scrutiny management panel will meet at the civic offices on Monday, December 5, to find out more details in the Tory-led savings programme.

The proposals include £602,000 of cuts in public health, which would see fewer people getting treatment for alcohol and drug problems and less work around sexual health. And more than £1m could be taken from the adult social care service.

Yet Tory leader Donna Jones insists more than a third of proposed savings have been made up through income-making schemes.

But Cllr Stephen Morgan, Labour group leader, said: ‘The Lib Dems and now Tories have been cutting local services that we all rely on for too long.

‘Now another £9m. How much more can we take? I am more concerned than ever.

‘We all agree management costs can come down, sharing services will help and there are one or two ideas for generating much-needed income.

‘However, much more must be done. We need to see vital frontline services guaranteed and services for the most vulnerable people protected.

‘We need to ensure Portsmouth gets a better deal from the government. A better government grant for local services. Better help for our city to attract new business investment and better projects to create new employment opportunities.’