THE NUMBER of people made redundant by the council has tripled in three years as the pinch of budget cuts takes affect.

In the 2014/15 financial year, nine people were made redundant by Bracknell Forest Council, five for health reasons.

That number crept up to 16 last year and then doubled to 33 in 2016/17.

Almost all of the extra reduction in staff came via those aged 55 or over, with 28 leaving the council yet retaining their pension rights.

A report to be brought before the employment committee on December 13 reads: "The number of those employees over 55 made redundant, who had access to their pension, increased significantly in 2016/17 compared to the previous year.

"This reflects a year where the number of restructures increased as a result of budget reductions, and included the closure of Heathlands and the Education Library Service."