THE first official steps have been taken towards dramatic cuts in council services across Southampton.

Finance bosses at the city council have formally launched a city-wide consultation on cutbacks and an inflation-busting rise in council tax.

The blueprint produced by the council's finance team would see services slashed, council tax raised by five per cent and other service charges increased if it is agreed in February.

The officer-led proposals, which have not been endorsed in full by any of the city council's three political parties, could see 96 full-time council posts axed as city chiefs struggle to plug a £5.8m funding gap in the city's finances.

The document has been hammered out over the past eight months by the council's finance team as a "starting point" for discussion between the city's three political groups.

Among the options in the report, which was presented to the city's ruling Liberal Democrat Cabinet, are proposals to save £55,000 a year by closing the prestigious Museum of Archaeology, located in Gods House Tower.

Further cutbacks could also take place in the city's street cleansing service, with several full-time posts being axed.

Cuts could also take place in the leisure sector, with four football pitches and a cricket pitch at Green Park, Millbrook, and two cricket pitches at the city's sports centre facing closure.

Above inflation increases in off-street parking charges could also be imposed, with a 2.75 per cent rise equating to an additional £141,000 for city coffers.

If the five per cent increase is agreed, council tax for a typical Band D property in the city would rise from £1,098.52 to £1,153.42 - a rise of £54.90.

The rise would not take into account the cost of the police and fire authorities, which are charged separately.

Noting the report, council leader Adrian Vinson stressed the blueprint was not yet endorsed by any of the three political parties on the council.

The council is keen to consult members of the public about the proposals.People should make their representations in writing by Christmas or by e-mailing spendingpriorities@southampton.gov.uk. Daily Echo readers can view the proposals at www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/breifing/.