NOTHING brings home the stark reality of cutbacks and savings than when people’s jobs are at stake.

Sadly that would seem to be the case as bosses at Bolton town hall bid to find £31.5 million of savings over the next two financial years.

It means the jobs of at least 124 council workers are under threat

Our special report today reveals that it costs a total of £414 million a year to run Bolton Council.

Over the past eight years the Bolton authority has lost £107 million of government grants.

As ever, something has to give.

The council is getting used to handing out bad news. Everything from library services to cutting the grass verges is fair game in a bid to balance the books, and naturally the council always points out that the Government is to blame for situation.

So it is no surprise to hear council leader Linda Thomas say “Our view is that government austerity is a political choice, not an economic necessity. If the government wanted to fund our services, they would.”

The latest proposals are likely also likely to mean an increase in the cost to families of school meals, handing the town’s 28 bowling greens over to users and a 2.5 per cent increase in council tax.

A final report taking on board consultation feedback will go to the full council in February.

For those whose jobs may be lost it possibly isn’t important where the blame lies.