WIRRAL councillors last night started the painful process of town hall cost-cutting after they were told to expect a budget black hole of £81m over the next three years.

Council leader Jeff Green outlined an initial range of measures to tackle a £24.5m deficit in the next financial year – 2011-12 – with further plans for massive and “innovative” consultation “as a matter of urgency”.

The cabinet agreed to start talks with unions and staff over what measures can be brought in to help with cost-cutting.

Cllr Green said: “I think we are all aware how serious this situation is.”

He outlined a three-way approach, including “stemming the loss of cash” on unnecessary items and re-thinking the council’s role, seeking the views of residents on it and then responding to the outcome of that consultation.

The cabinet agreed initial measures including all spending over £100 and “all requests for engagement, renewal or extension of consultants” having to be approved.

They also plan to review provision of free meals for councillors and officers before meetings and first-class travel.