WIRRAL Council’s Tory and Liberal Democrat coalition last night unveiled a programme of cuts and savings totalling £48m.

The authority’s ruling cabinet was told it was in response to an anticipated budget deficit of £117m over the next four years – the brunt of which is expected to fall sooner rather than later.

Among the departments hit hardest is adult social services, which the cabinet was told would make savings of more than £10m in the coming year.

Council leader Jeff Green insisted the savings – which include £24m on staff costs – were based on priorities set by the public following the council’s massive consultation exercise.

But Labour attacked the plans, describing it as a “smoke and mirrors” budget designed to see the ruling parties through the next local elections in May before people see the full impact of changes.

Labour group leader Steve Foulkes also said his party would also be checking the legality of the cabinet’s decision, which will go before full council on Monday.

Cllr Foulkes said it removed a key part of the democratic process of checking decisions by the executive, adding: “We’re checking the legality of this.”

He also attacked a decision to ensure plans to cut the council’s contribution to care homes by 9.5% – saving £5m – could not be questioned through council procedures, saying moves by his party while in power to make smaller cuts were severely criticised and subject to council scrutiny at the behest of Conservative councillors.

Cllr Foulkes said: “It is sheer hypocrisy.”