Cash-strapped councils threaten to turn off streetlights and cut bus services

A damning survey finds just a fifth of county councils in England are confident they will avoid 'insolvency' without further government help - and that libraries and recycling centers are in danger

More streetlights could be turned off at night (stock photo)

Buses, libraries and recycling centers face the ax and streetlights must be turned off as councils battle to avoid bankruptcy next year.

A damning survey finds that only 22% of county councils in England are confident they can avoid 'financial insolvency' without further government help.

Three quarters say they are likely to cut bus subsidies (which allow services to run on less busy routes) in a bid to save money.

And nearly two-thirds (63%) said they were likely to turn off some streetlights at night, despite fears for women's safety.

Slightly more than half said they would likely reduce the opening hours of libraries or recycling centers, or close them altogether.

The County Councils Network, which has spoken to 32 of its 36 member councils in England, has warned there will be an £821m black hole in budgets next year.

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Almost two-thirds said they were likely to cut bus subsidies (stock photo) (

Picture:

Getty Images)

Unlike the Conservative government, they are forced by law to balance their budgets every year, which means "everything is on the table" for the cuts.

City halls are struggling with £3.5bn in extra costs 'this year and next year' due to inflation and rising demand, the NCC says.

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Vice-Chairman Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: 'The next two years are shaping up to be some of the toughest for councils in recent memory.

"After a decade of austerity and with inflation soaring, if the Chancellor does not spare councils further cuts and grant more funding to local authorities, everything is on the table to determine what vital services cut."

Around 63% are likely to cut school bus services, while almost half (45%) think they could cut children's centers or youth services.

And 72% told the network survey that they would likely tighten eligibility for nursing homes.

Nearly two-thirds (65%) said they would likely halt or cancel economic growth and major road projects, as well as routine road maintenance.