THE future of cutbacks facing Southampton City Council, its staff and the people of the city is truly frightening.
As this paper reveals today, the council is preparing to make more swingeing cuts to combat a financial black hole amounting to almost £31m.
To meet those obligations, we report, the Labour administration says it has no choice but to axe 200 jobs and close services, this despite being brought to power on promises to do no such thing.
As the Tories in opposition say, there is a sense of betrayal of the people of the city.
Yet does the blame for this betrayal lie with the ruling Labour group, its policies and promises, or the central government making cutbacks in grants it claims must happen to combat a debt crisis caused by the previous incumbents at Westminster?
What, if the Tories still held power in Southampton, would they do any different to meet financial obligations.
Would, as they say, sharing more services with other authorities meet the bill?
Certainly there are dark days ahead with even worse to come.
Is it time, in fact, for a complete rethink over how local government is paid for and what is required?
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