Sutton council’s leader has warned of tough times ahead as cuts loom.

Councillor Sean Brennan did not reveal whether the axe would swing on transport projects, schools, social housing schemes or jobs as the authority prepares for Government’s plans to cut £6.2bn in 2010.

But he warned Sutton would feel the pinch of the £1.166bn that Local Government has to contribute to the cross government savings.

He said: “We all know there is a huge national deficit and that Government funding to all councils, including Sutton, will be significantly reduced.

“There will be some tough decisions to be made in the coming months but this is still very early stages as we need to take time to carefully consider all the options and are currently in the process of looking at the latest information from the Government.

“Providing good value for money for residents is as important now as it has always been and we will continue to work hard to ensure that Sutton remains a safe, green and fair borough and to continue to protect the vulnerable under these pressures.”

The extent of the cuts will not be fully revealed until autumn, but battle lines have already been drawn.

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis has urged his 1.3 million members to embark on a nationwide campaign of resistance.

At the union's annual conference in Bournemouth, Mr Prentis said: “if this government picks a fight with us, we will be ready, we will be the fiercest defenders of our members and the services they deliver”.

Dame Margaret Eaton, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said: “We have to recognise that these cuts will be painful to implement this year and will have a significant effect on services and the people who rely on them.”