A DISTRICT council is facing a “stark” and “difficult” financial challenge as it outlines its spending plans for 2013/14.

Mid Suffolk District Council says it is “better placed than most” to combat a 6% cut in its grant funding from the Government.

But the authority is expecting further cuts to its funding despite making savings of almost £4million over the last four years.

Council leader Derrick Haley said the authority was trying to be as efficient as possible.

He said: “Communities in Mid Suffolk can be reassured that their district councillors are striving with every sinew and with every breath to achieve savings and put whatever money we have left into frontline services.”

“Because of all the ground-breaking integration and transformation work with have done with Babergh, we are better placed than most, but don’t underestimate how rough the ride will be.”

The council’s executive met this week in Needham Market to put forward its draft budget.

Included within the plans are proposals to fund £200,000 for town and parish councils.

Savings from staff and service integration with Babergh District Council are about £2m a year.

The final draft of 2013/14 budget will be set at the end of next month.