SENIOR councillors have agreed a budget that sees its spending fall by almost £1 million.

Cabinet members at Eastleigh Borough Council last night unanimously approved the budget under which spending drops from £10.9 million last year to £9.8 million this year.

As previously reported the council is yet to reveal details of how such savings will be found, but, while saying it would protect frontline services, has not ruled out job losses.

It says the money is being found through a combination making council services more efficient and generating more income.

Now the budget will go before all councillors for a final decision on February 25 at the end of the month.

The meeting, chaired by leader Cllr Keith House, saw members also approve a zero per cent rise in council tax as part of the budget.

This means that under the 2016/2017 budget an average band D property will pay a council tax charge of £104.7, which includes a £25 special costs amount.

It remains the same as last year and the council says this is the 13th consecutive year in a row of real-term cuts in council tax.

Added to that is the various parish precepts.

Outside of parish council controlled parts of the borough, the cabinet approved £178,757 on open spaces, parks and recreation grounds, £47,349 on public toilets, £55,609 on cemeteries, £56,051 on children’s play areas and £8,111 on bus shelters.

Incorporated into the budget is also £2.7 million of savings that the council needs to make to keep its long-term efficiency strategy on target.

However, it is yet to identify how £1 million of that will be achieved. As previously reported, the council needs to shave £4.7 million off its budget in a five year period.

But it is also receiving less Government funding than before.

Government grants have fallen this year from £4.1 million last year to £3.4 million and the council anticipates they will fall further.

Councillors meet to decide the budget at full council on February 25.