The cuts come after the withdrawal of the Government's Area Based Grants to local authorities, which have forced the council to make immediate in-year savings of £9.2m.

In addition, it has had to take nearly £3m from its reserves to cover the shortfall of £12 million.

The Council is already committed to making savings of £52m over the next four years through efficiencies, including £27m through its Transformation initiative.

And it also bracing itself for massive cuts to Government funding when the results of the comprehensive spending review is announce in October - cuts which David Shakespeare, leader of the council, says will dramatically impact upon what services they can offer residents.

Cllr Shakespeare said: "The local spending pressures and loss of the Area Based Grant are a significant blow to our current year's budget.

"We have no choice but to make reductions in our budgets, to ensure we are not spending council taxpayers' money which we do not have.

"These are unprecedented times, and local authorities are having to make unprecedented decisions.

"We have considered long and hard as to how we can achieve these savings with as little impact possible on services, residents and staff. Wherever possible, we have tried to make savings through service delivery, however some posts will be put at risk."