Portsmouth City Council recently revealed plans for budget cuts across the city in 2015/2016. They are due to meet in early February 2015 to discuss the plans, but it is anticipated that they will need to save nearly £40 million throughout the next three years.

In the last four years the government has cut funding by almost £45 million, and as a result Portsmouth City Council made previous cuts saving around £60 million. The majority of the political parties have voted for the cuts, however Liberal Democrats in the area have raised concerns about cuts to council services, fearing locals in Portsmouth will be left without jobs.

If plans go ahead, Portsmouth’s social care services will be one of the areas facing budget cuts. Overall, there is a worry that these further cuts could result in more poverty throughout Portsmouth city. Despite these concerns, the plans were approved in early December but have faced continuing backlash from protesters.

The positive news is that plans seemed to be focused on regenerating Portsmouth city for future economic growth and sustainability, supporting local businesses and innovative business projects. The idea behind this is to create over 11000 local jobs in Portsmouth over the next ten years. The council wants Portsmouth locals to be able to benefit from these new jobs.

Although the budget cuts will likely be hard hitting throughout various services across the city, Portsmouth does face somewhat of an optimistic future focused on economic growth, creating new jobs and sustainable businesses.