HOUSEHOLDERS are today facing swingeing cuts and massive price rises as district councils struggle to balance the books.But Ipswich council said it would safeguard its two main policies of creating a safer and cleaner town.

HOUSEHOLDERS are today facing swingeing cuts and massive price rises as district councils struggle to balance the books.

But Ipswich council said it would safeguard its two main policies of creating a safer and cleaner town.

A spokesman said officers were continuing their on-going drive to hunt for savings, but added councillors would need to wait for hard figures from the government before deciding on potential cutbacks.

Suffolk Coastal council has warned a £1.3million budget shortfall will have to be met by tax rises, service cuts or higher charges – or a combination of all three.

Babergh council has set up a special penny-pinching committee to wade through council services looking for potential cutbacks.

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