Labour council leaders in Southampton will tonight agree a mini-budget to save the authority a further £800,000 this year.

The budget would see the closure of Oaklands swimming pool in Lordshill and the loss of 20 jobs among other cuts, worth up to £2m in future years, to bring next year’s budget gap down to £25m.

Labour has dismissed accusations from the Tories that they duped voters by breaking a manifesto promise to safeguard jobs.

Labour will also raid the council’s reserves for £240,000 to fund a number of election pledges including a programme to prepare youngsters who want to apply for apprenticeships; the launch of a new music-based Southampton festival to be held after the boat show in September; a series of “StreetCRED” days to improve neighbourhoods blighted by anti-social behaviour, littering and criminal damage.

A Dragon’s Den-style scheme that will allow small businesses to pitch for one of two rent free premises at the Solent Business Centre is also planned.