MORE than 190 jobs could be lost at Southampton City Council as it announces its latest plans to balance the books.

Council bosses have announced how they plan to save a further £8.5million to help plug a £12million funding gap in the budget.

The council had faced a £39million black hole in funding for the 2016/2017 budget but after an improved grant from Government that figure is now £33.7million.

Beyond that it needs to save a further £42million over the following three years.

The council has already identified £21million in savings in the 2016/2017 budget but still needs to find £12million.

As previously reported, residents will not be hit with a four per cent hike in council tax as originally proposed, but a 2 per cent “social care precept”.

And, as reported, council plans to revert disabled on street parking bays into pay and display, which caused outrage, have been scrapped. 

The council must now consult on its further savings of £8.5million identified.

These include raising £1million through borrowing to set up an investment company, an extra £1million by renegotiating better terms in contracts and directing more people towards care at home.

Measures also include changes to shift patterns at Itchen Bridge, where three jobs would go, children's services efficiencies, increased fees and charges, moving some agency staff onto permanent contracts to save £590,000.

Finally the council would put in parking restrictions around the Royal South Hants Hospital to raise £150,000 and restructure upper middle managers saving £2.5million.

The remaining shortfall to make up £12million, £3.9million, will come from reserves.

The fresh proposals puts 194 jobs in jeopardy, four more – of which 37 are vacant meaning 158 members of staff are at risk of redundancy or being transferred to other roles.

The city has seen £71.4 million cutbacks in the past three years, with more than 550 jobs lost in the same period.

Proposals come before cabinet on February 9.