Barnet Borough Council has published an outline plan as it attempts to make £73.5million of savings by 2020.

The document includes options for how the authority might make £50m of these cuts - including outsourcing its services and closing libraries, which has angered people in the community.

Council leader Councillor Richard Cornelius said: “It is important that we are honest about the scale of the challenge facing the council and have the widest possible debate about how local services might have to change over the coming decade.

“This will be the case whoever wins the next general election.

“We have already made some difficult decisions early, saving the taxpayer more than £70 million since 2010, and public appreciation of the council has actually risen. However the coming savings will not be easy to make.”

Cllr Cornelius pledged to be honest with people about the “scale of challenges” facing the authority and to plan ahead.

The report also outlines the growth in the population of the borough and regeneration of key areas including the West Hendon and Grahame Park estates.

Cllr Cornelius added: “Over the course of this decade the spending power of the council will halve, given a reduced central government grant, pressures of demographic change, inflation and a growth in demand for key services.  

“I defy anyone to get by on half their income without having to make changes.  We cannot bury our heads in the sand.

“Our regeneration projects revitalise communities and generates resources to reinvest in infrastructure - transport, housing and schools.”