READERS will be forgiven for thinking they are experiencing déjà vu as they learn about the latest county council drive to slash millions from its budget.

Chief executive Joanna Simons is taking the forecast of an £11m budget shortfall so seriously that she has written to staff to warn them of a recruitment freeze and to seek suggestions on how costs can be cut back.

An ageing population means increasing health and social care costs and the demand for services to support vulnerable adults and children is putting pressure on council funding.

While council leaders have been very successful bidding for millions to support major infrastructure projects, including a flood channel for Oxford and major road schemes, we are told there is not enough money in the kitty for social care.

It is possible the dire predictions about the settlement funding Oxfordshire will get are being exaggerated, but Chancellor George Osborne’s austerity agenda shows no signs of ending yet.

Ms Simons is quite right to warn staff about the dangers that lie ahead, although asking them to indicate where the axe should fall places them in an awkward position.

Now staff are being consulted about where cuts should be made, the council should not leave it too long before it consults the public on which services it believes are surplus to requirements, and which ones need protecting.

In the past, members of the public have been vocal in their opposition to cuts in care and reductions in this sector is likely to prompt a similar response.

It is vital that the leaders of all political groups work together to try to secure the best possible settlement to protect vital services.