Around 200 potential job losses at Perth and Kinross Council

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Around 200 jobs could be cut at Perth and Kinross Council over three years as the cash-strapped local authority tries to close a £31 million funding gap.The shock proposals - which councillors are still to make a decision on - include cutting 45 full-time equivalent posts this year and between 70 and 80 in each of the following two years.While teaching jobs are protected, schools could be among the hardest hit as the proposed cuts also include removing all school crossing patrollers, stopping primary swimming lessons, closing breakfast clubs and raising the price of school meals.Closing public toilets and raising the cost of funerals has also been suggested.In September 2022 councillors agreed a council tax increase of three per cent, which works out at an additional 78p a week for a Band D property.As wages make up a significant part of the council’s spending, job cuts have been proposed.A PKC spokesperson said: "Officers have been at pains to minimise this as far as possible, with fewer than 45 full time equivalent jobs at risk in the next financial year and between 70 and 80 in each of the subsequent years, protecting around 97 per cent of the existing workforce."Officials are also proposing to capitalise on grief with funeral costs set to rocket.The cost to cremate an adult over the age of 21 is proposed to rise from £709 to £836.

The council is also proposing to introduce a £60 charge for the use of a webcam and a £24 charge for a webcam recording - a budget proposal which was previously rejected by councillors.Graves would also increase in price from £934 to £962 for a full adult lair and £467 to £481 for a half lair.