Up to 40 jobs are to be lost at Canterbury City Council as the authority is forced to find savings of £2million in its budget.

It says it hopes to avoid compulsory redundancies by not filling vacancies, voluntary departures and by making other staffing efficiencies.

The proposals have just been published in its draft budget which also include plans to hike parking charges across the district by around 10 per cent.

It blames the fall in usage of car parks largely on the new concessionary bus scheme which provides free travel to the over 60s.

But the council insists its major capital projects, like the new Marlowe Theatre and refurbished and extended Beaney library and museum are still on track, despite having £6million frozen in a collapsed Icelandic bank.

It is seeking a council tax rise of just under 5 per cent, which will mean and extra £8.28 a year for an average band D property owner.

• Audio: Kentish Gazette Chief Reporter Gerry Warren discusses the draft budget with Adam Williams >>>

Council leader Cllr John Gilbey said the savings were needed because its revenue was falling as a result of the credit crunch and it was not expecting a particularly generous government grant to compensate.

He said the savings would be achieved by a “gentle squeeze” on its budget which would not impact on public services.

•For full story and reaction see this week's Kentish Gazette