Credit crunch hits council budget

A council leader is facing a budget shortfall this year of £7m and blames a fall in shoppers using town centre car parks for a slump in revenue.

Tony Woods, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said the authority needs more funding.

"Part of the problem is down to the so-called credit crunch," he said.

"Fuel costs have increased, revenue from car parking in the town has fallen and more people are using concessionary bus passes."

Mr Woods said the council will be looking everywhere to make efficiency savings and said he could not rule out job cuts.