A third of management posts at Redbridge Council are set to be axed in a cost-cutting measure.

Recruitment is also going to be frozen in new plans which the council claims will save £5million if approved next week.

The cash-strapped authority has announced proposals to cut three chief officer posts, expected to save more than £260,000 a year.

The responsibilities of the posts – in housing, property and services to young people – will be transferred to the remaining chief officers.

Council leader Cllr Jas Athwal said: “These are not decisions that will be taken lightly. We need to ensure, and we will, that we continue to deliver important and essential outcomes for our residents, albeit with a leaner staffing structure.

“This is a difficult time for us all but there has been no greater time to ensure we conduct our business fairly and ensure our residents receive affordable services.

“The scale of these cuts is like nothing we’ve ever faced before and if this government were to get its way, would be deeper and harsher in the future.

“We want the public to know that we will do all we can to reduce our costs while maintaining essential front line services.”

The authority – which published its initial budget proposals this week – is facing a £70m shortfall after funding cuts from central government.

The recommendations will be put forward at full council next Thursday January 15.