Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council, has warned that enormous financial challenges have to be faced in the next four years.

Cllr Scott voiced her fears during Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, when discussing the council’s draft business plan for 2013-2017.

Despite needing to make £120m worth of budget cuts, because of reduced government funding, she does not want the council’s key services, such as public health and supporting the region’s most vulnerable people, to suffer.

Cllr Scott said: “It is not going to be easy and I wish we didn’t have to do it but I feel confident with the plans we have got that we can keep our prioritised services.

“Local government is changing considerably and it is really important that we become a different council to survive.”

The draft business plan will be debated during the full council meeting at Trowbridge Civic Centre on September 3.

Tuesday’s meeting agreed that the council will go ahead with a money-saving partnership with Wiltshire Police.

The force could transfer around 200 admin staff to the council, to share expertise, and move into Wilt- shire Council’s 20 campus buildings.

“This idea is cutting edge and very different,” said Cllr Scott. “I see the campus project as a big opportunity to open local police stations across Wiltshire, which will buck a national trend of them closing down.”

Deputy chief constable Mike Veale said: “This innovation will enable us to protect the frontline services and is truly courageous and groundbreaking stuff at local and national level.”