Front line services will not be safe from cutbacks as Enfield Council bosses look to make £17million worth of savings in annual budget.

Children’s services, adult care and park maintenance could all be at risk of cutbacks in the forthcoming budget.

The local authority is projecting overspend in the financial budget of 2015/16 by a total of £2.7million.

This includes a projected overspend of £3.2million in children’s services.

However, say this will be addressed before the end of the financial year.

“We are in a very difficult position with the amount of cutbacks we have to make” said leader of Enfield council, Cllr Doug Taylor.

“In past years we have made a number of savings in the way we work, but now it would be disingenuous for me to say public services will not take a hit.”

In the current budget, Enfield council found £29million worth of savings and will need to find another £50million by 2019/20.

Cllr Taylor bemoaned the reduction in government funding since 2010 which has seen a drop from £191million to £81million by 2020.

He said: “There are no easy answers. We have lost a considerable amount of money through savage cuts.

“But we must look forward and have a practical, grown up discussion on how to face the challenges.

“We have Enfield 2017 which is revolutionising the way we work and helping us make important savings.

“However we must admit there will be big consequences, whether that means our parks aren’t as well-groomed or other services are cut back, it’s hard to say.”

The council is now consulting with people in the borough and will be sending a letter to each house, asking residents to list their priorities and services they would be happy to see cut.”

The first consultation day will be held on Friday, November 27 at Palmers Green Library .

Calls have been made for cabinet member of finance Cllr Andrew Stafford to resign after an explicit outburst at this month’s council meeting.

However, Cllr Taylor revealed the councillor will remain in his post and it is understood he has been reprimanded for his actions.

The budget will be tabled at full council in February 2016.