Haringey Council is asking residents for their views on its budget plans – including a proposed hike in council tax.

Council leader Cllr Joseph Ejiofor warned there are “no easy decisions left to make” as he asked for feedback on plans for almost £20 million-worth of savings over the next financial year.

Proposals include increasing council tax by 2.99 per cent – adding 74p a week to the average bill – in a bid to raise £3 million.

The council also plans to make savings of £1.6 million in children’s services, partly by cutting the number of agency staff it employs.

It has pencilled in £2 million-worth of savings in adults’ services, some of which will be achieved by negotiating lower contract prices.

Further cost reductions include a review of parking schemes and cutting the number of senior management posts in the organisation.

Haringey Council has had its government grant slashed by £122 million in real terms since 2010, when austerity measures were put in place by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition.

As a result, staff numbers have been cut by 45 per cent and buildings have been sold off in a bid to balance the books.

But the local authority still aims to deliver on its key pledges, including a bold plan to build 1,000 new council homes by 2022.

Cllr Ejiofor said the council faced “huge financial challenges” amid funding cuts and growing demand for its services.

He added: “Our priority will always be the needs of our residents and we are committed to protecting frontline services wherever we can, and ensuring the right support is there for those who need it most. But there are no easy decisions left to make.

“It is vital that every penny we spend is spent wisely, based on our understanding of residents’ need. I encourage the community to make their voices heard in this consultation.”

The consultation is available here.