A HOST of Powys County Council services are under threat as the authority prepares for a £20 million budget shortfall over the coming financial year.

The council's funding from the Welsh Government is being cut by 4.6 per cent - equal to £9 million while rising costs and pressures amount to £11 million.

The council has warned services including leisure and arts - that funds leisure centres, libraries and museums - waste collections and highway repairs must bare the brunt of budget cuts as education and adult social care, it's biggest spending areas, are protected.

Council leader David Jones said: "We have already been forced to take unpopular decision in response to the chill-wind of austerity measures but I am afraid the coming years will see far more difficult debates and I hope that Powys residents understand our difficulties."

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