IT is expected to be one of the harshest budgets in St Helens Council's history and already there are dire warnings from senior officers that it will mean a reduction in care provided for the needy and vulnerable.

Government grant reductions mean the council is forecasting future savings requirements will reach £23 million over the next two years, with £13 million to be found over the course of 2016/2017.

The council has already slashed £65 million from budgets in the past five years, losing 1,700 jobs.

In recent years the council has been criticised in the Star's pages for not being frank and open enough about where the axe is falling. A different approach is expected from the town hall this year but councillors also want the public to have a greater say in the process.

Once again, it is running an online budget calculator, where residents can balance the books but see the likely impact on services where funds are being cut. It is hoped this year will see more people join in the consultation after just 150 took part in the exercise last year.

The simulator challenges residents to take on the task of cutting the expected £13 million from the 2016/2017 budget, keeping it balanced whilst continuing to protect critical services.

Cutting too much from certain departmental budgets shows the potential threats to services – from the closure of libraries and potential fee hikes at leisure centres, to the closure of St Mary's Market and the risk of being unable to place children in care.

St Helens Council’s cabinet member for corporate services, Councillor Anthony Johnson said: “It is inevitable that future grant reductions are going to have a real impact on the delivery of our services. However, the budget must be balanced as we cannot spend more than we have.

“I am sure that our budget simulator will again prove of interest to residents and provide some understanding of the potential implications of further Government cuts and the very difficult and complex decisions that lie ahead."

The budget setting process will be completed in early March 2016 and the council says it will continue to listen carefully to comments towards finding the best possible options and solutions for the future of St Helens.

The ‘You Choose’ simulator can be found at sthelens.gov.uk/budget.

Residents can also provide their comments and views by contacting the council’s Contact Centre at contactcentre@sthelens.gov.uk or on 01744 676789.

Where the axe will fall

Combined saving targets from 2016 to 2018 by department

Children, Families and Young People / Education and Lifelong Learning: £4.4m

Adult Social Care and Health: £8.5m

Employment, Planning and Growth: £1.6m

Transport, Housing and Community Safety: £1.8m

Green, Smart and Sustainable Borough: £3.3m

Strategy, Governance and External Affairs / Corporate Services: £2.5m

Public Health and Well?Being Total: £0.9m