Civic jobs and services at risk

Most of the savings will be made through "more efficient working"

Services could be cut and jobs lost at Swindon Borough Council under plans to save £10.5m.

Draft budget proposals for 2010/11 include cuts in charity grants, fewer bus routes and the switching off at night of 481 street lights.

The greatest saving is to be made through "more efficient working" with 50 to 100 jobs under threat.

The council blames increasing costs, debt charges and a drop in some sources of income.

Councillor Mark Edwards, Cabinet Member for Finance and Benefits, said: "What we have to make sure is that we have the right number of people do the right job and we're running in the most efficient manner.

"Costs have gone up as well, so we have to look after our most elderly, our most vulnerable, we have to look after those with special needs, we have to look after the increasing costs of safeguarding children in light of the Baby P case."

In November, it was announced that nearly a quarter of Swindon council staff faced a pay cut as part of a job restructuring scheme.

The final decisions on the current draft budget proposals will be made in February 2010.