Councillors have been reassured cutting six senior social worker posts at Shropshire Council will not damage levels of care in the county.

The council is looking to make £32 million worth of savings this financial year and further savings next year because of the squeeze on public sector spending.

A council report says scrutiny committee meetings have been held with councillors to discuss the second phase of budget savings for 2012/13.

It says councillors raised concerns about what was being planned, including plans to cut social worker posts.

It adds: “The committee discussed the risks attached to deleting six senior social worker posts.

“Members heard this was part of a wider restructure, which had reduced the overall number of teams as part of achieving greater efficiencies and economies of scale.

“The amount of savings to be achieved by this restructure was queried, with a suggestion the savings could be higher due to the number of posts being reduced.

“Members were reassured there were sufficient numbers of experienced staff to ensure continuity. The numbers of agency and short-term contract staff were low.”

At a full council meeting at Shirehall on Thursday, cabinet member for health and well-being Councillor Ann Hartley, echoed that reassurance.

She said: “The restructuring is very well thought-out.”

The report says the savings needed would also impact on day care centres, particularly because many clients now had personalised budgets.

It says: “It was noted that some day centres would no longer be viable, which would have a negative effect on those who still wished to use them.”

The report adds councillors at the scrutiny committees ‘clearly grasped’ the issues before them and warned difficult challenges were ahead.

And the report adds: “All members were aware of the ongoing need to reinforce the message of the council’s current and ongoing financial position.”