THE number of Winchester city councillors should be cut from 57 to 45, the Cabinet heard.

A report said there should be 45 members, down 12, the biggest revamp in decades.

It follows the decision in April to retain the three-member wards and the electoral cycle of thirds.

The Local Government Boundary Commission is beginning its review next month.

With fewer councillors the size of wards is set to increase.

Cllr Stephen Godfrey, portfolio holder for finance, said: “Hopefully the changes will be more efficient and better for Winchester. It will require the role of councillors to change. The same amount of work but with fewer councillors.”

Twelve fewer councillors would save around £75,000 a year, a report to Cabinet said.

The full meeting of council on July 16 will make the decision.