COUNCIL finances bosses say they are expecting another £17million black hole in their budget for next year.

This week, Warrington Borough Council has launched a consultation for its plans for the next 12 months - starting in April.

And while the detail is not yet confirmed, officials say they will have to cut £17million this year - following £46million worth of reductions since 2012.

Lynton Green is the council’s chief finance officer.

He said: “Warrington, like all councils, is facing challenging times as the Government continues to reduce public sector funding.

“The Government has not yet published the exact details of Warrington’s financial settlement for 2014/15, but the council expects there will be a £17 million budget shortfall in 2014/15.

“This is on top of the £46 million of reductions and savings that have been made in the borough since 2010.

“The council now has to decide how to prioritise the resources available for the wide range of vital services it provides to the community in its annual budget.

“This process will involve some difficult decisions, which reflect national and local priorities as well as the needs, wants and aspirations of everyone who lives in the town.”

Cllr Russ Bowden, executive board member for corporate resources and assignments, added: “In making these budget decisions, the views of the public are an important consideration.

“This council is committed to listening and responding to the views of residents and we want to provide the opportunity for local people to have their say via a public consultation.

“"We are committed to protecting frontline services as far as possible, supporting the most vulnerable in our communities and growing our local economy.

“But the grim reality is that we now have to reduce, change or even stop some of the services that we know people in Warrington rely on because of these devastating funding cuts from national government.”

Copies of the 2014/15 budget consultation document are available in main council buildings such as the Town Hall on Sankey Street, New Town House on Buttermarket Street and Contact Warrington on Horsemarket Street.

Or visit warrington.gov.uk/budget or e-mail budgetconsultation@warrington.gov.uk The closing date for responses is January 17.