Durham County Council budget cuts exceed 拢250m

Image source, Google

Image caption, Durham County Council said it would listen to residents and businesses when managing "continually reducing budgets"

Durham County Council has revised predicted spending cuts for the second time to more than 拢250m.

The Labour-run authority raised its original target from 拢200m to 拢222m in October 2013, blaming additional reductions in government grants.

It now says austerity measures outlined in Chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement means a further 拢30m needs to be saved by 2019.

Council leader Simon Henig said front-line services were threatened.

"We are largely on track to deliver the very significant savings which we have had to meet so far," he said.

"However, there is no doubt that facing these continued cuts we will no longer be able to protect front-line services."

Councillors are due to consider new budget proposals.