THE local government final settlement has revealed a council’s funding cuts are the second highest in Berkshire.

The final settlement, which was announced on Monday, confirmed Slough Borough Council will see £55 million in government funding cut between 2013 and 2020 – equating to around 85 per cent of the council’s grant.

Reading is the only other Berkshire authority to fare worse in that time period.

As a result Slough residents are set to face an 84p per week increase in council tax with a 3.75 per cent increase overall.

Council leader, Rob Anderson, said: “We are many tens of millions of pounds down yet the council tax has increased for the first time in years and in real terms it’s the same amount as it was 10 years ago.”

During a cabinet meeting on Monday evening, Cllr James Swindlehurst, deputy leader, highlighted the unexpected one per cent 1% 'forced' rent reduction imposed by the government. A drop that will leave a £3.8 million ‘hole’.

Members approved £38 million of cuts during a cabinet meeting in December, which will see young people and community services impacted the most severely.

Mr Holmes said: “There are more savings we need to identify. There are a lot of programmes in place.”

Members approved this year’s budget ahead of it going to full council on Thursday, February 25.