Paul Nuttall has asked North West council leaders for assurances that key frontline services will be protected during cut backs.

The move by the UK Independence Party follows reports that central government funding for local authorities is set to be cut by 10-15%.

MEP Mr Nuttall has written to council leaders across the North West asking for assurances that while unnecessary bureaucracy is cut back key frontline serves will be safe.

“Professionals in adult social care and other key areas do a tremendous job despite already being under-resourced,” said Mr Nuttall.

“These cuts must not make a difficult situation worse. They should be aimed at red tape, bureaucracy and expensive, unnecessary projects.

“Eeconomy begins at home. A cut in councillors’ expenses proportional to the overall budget cut would help to maintain public confidence at this difficult time”, he said.