OPPOSING political parties at Worcester City Council have held "groundbreaking" talks over next year's budget, it has emerged.

The Labour leadership, which is being axed next May for a return to the committee system, says it hopes the move will avoid unnecessary "argy bargy" when it comes to voting on the spending proposals in February.

The private negotiations were done in the run-up to the publication of the current draft budget, and revolved around what bosses call an 'all member's seminar'.

The draft budget includes a freeze on car parking rates, a three per cent rise in council tax and measures to start a so-called 'transformation plan' which will see up to 31 jobs lost by 2020.

Cllr Joy Squires, the deputy leader and cabinet member responsible for the finances, said: "Traditionally, we get to full council and get used to seeing a lot of toing and froing and a bit of political 'argy bargy' on both sides, it's fair to say.

"I do think and hope that this time could be different, I've certainly tried to be as open and possible as I can throughout this process."

Speaking during a cabinet meeting, she said she felt the budget had "a focus on transformation as opposed to cuts in service delivery".

She told the chamber "there is certainly a difference in opinion" with the Conservatives on how to save around £2.2 million over the next three years, but called the talks "groundbreaking".

"We have an ambitious City Plan and one that needs to be realised if we are to compete in the post-Brexit world," she added.

She also said that if council tax did not rise, they would have to find an extra £250,000 in savings.

During the debate the opposition Conservative group warned against any car parking spaces being lost in the city.

Part of Labour's proposals include a 'review' of car parking in the city, which could lead to some sites being considered for sale.

Cllr Marc Bayliss, Tory group leader, said: "Supply does create its own demand and I would be concerned if we look to reduce any spaces.

"I'd hate us to be 'slaying the sacred cow' in order to generate a capital receipt, I think there's more questions on that."

Opposition councillors also urged the Labour cabinet to consider firm targets to grow the council's income base, saying they had "nothing" to strive for without it.

Tory Cllr Chris Mitchell said: "Without a line in the budget for 'income generation' we will struggle to deliver it, because there's no target to measure it against."

The Tories have also asked for more detail over the job losses, and how services will be delivered once the roles are gone.