Mistakes have been made, but changes are being made

Fifteen targets have been set to try to turn the council around after damning criticism from the Labour administration last year.

The proposals confirm restructuring of staff is on-going at the authority, which already plans to cut 170 jobs.

Other targets include selling some council buildings and an office move.

Changing direction

Council leader Keith Brookes said it was important the authority faces up to problems identified at the council.

He said: "There are no quick fixes to the serious and complex problems that we have uncovered.

"They will take time to put right and we are very heartened by the faith that local people have put in us being able to make this happen."

It's a bit like turning round a battleship - we have already identified that we were heading for the rocks Council leader Keith Brookes

In addition to dealing with financial problems at the council, 14 projects focusing on improving services and making sure they are cost effective are in the pipeline.

Mr Brookes explained: "It's a bit like turning round a battleship - we have already identified that we were heading for the rocks, we have now mapped out what corrections need to be made to steer us into calmer waters.

"There is inevitably a delay between turning the rudder and such a large object visibly changing direction."

Deputy leader Andrew DeFreitas added: "We have of necessity had to concentrate on the appalling financial position that we uncovered.