AN East Lancashire council is considering mergers, reviewing job vacancies and delaying start dates for new employees to save vital funds.

Hyndburn Council is in discussions after it was revealed it must save over £4million in three years due to Government funding cuts.

But leader of the council Peter Britcliffe has vowed not to hike up council tax rates and review finances more regularly to keep a close eye on costs.

The council has saved over £300,000 so far but further steps will be necessary to meet the £4million target.

The council’s annual budget this year was £15,427,000.

Coun Britcliffe said: “We are not going to have a spend, spend, spend budget.

"It is important we constantly and contin-ually make savings throughout the years.

“We will review job vacancies when they arise, mergers and we are looking at delaying start times for some jobs which has helped saved some of the £300,000.”

The council must make savings as it receiving less money from central Government, as it looks to pay back the large amount of borrowing incurred during the recession.

Councillor Marlene Haworth, cabinet member for Finance, Asset Management and Markets, said: “Saving this amount of money is a big ask and we have already saved over £300,000.

"However, we are committed to low council tax increases and continuing to provide excellent services to the people of Hyndburn.”

Mike Booth, regional organiser for Unison, said: “The local authority has not even briefed Unison on the proposals on the budget.”

Leader of the opposition Graham Jones, said: “This is a doomsday scenario, five or six years ago I said this could be avoided.”