AMID JOB CUTS FEARS RISE THAT CONTACT WITH COUNCIL FOR HELP WILL BE HARDER

COUNCIL bosses have given an “absolute guarantee” that staff will still be contactable over the phone, amid plans for job cuts.

- By DANIEL HOLLAND

Some 26 posts are set to go at Newcastle City Council under a redesign of its customer services, part of a total 75 job losses expected under a £4 million budget cut proposal for next year.

With the plans stating that the council will be “increasing self-service and automation”, under efforts to streamline local authority services and make more use of Al, fears were expressed this week that the move could make it harder for some city residents to speak to council workers when they are seeking help.

Labour councillor Joyce McCarty told a scrutiny committee on Thursday: “We all hear as councillors how long people have to wait to get responses to their query. My concern is always about us being as inclusive as possible.