SOUTHAMPTON City Council is today flying the Red Ribbon flag to mark World Aids Day as the extent of the cuts to HIV/Aids services is revealed.

The cuts are among £20 million worth of savings proposed by the council as it tries to balance the books, with the final decision on where the axe will fall not made until February next year.

Councillor Matt Stevens Cabinet member for adult services, said that no stone had been left unturned in this budget process, but with the size of the deficit so big, tough decisions have to be made.

He said: “I do understand the issues here, particularly with the announcement of the HIV infection rate increase in England, and I am committed to ensuring some support for HIV services is preserved in the city.

“We recognise there will be reduced activity as a result of these changes, but we will continue to support organisations to secure charitable funding to add value to the services commissioned.

“We will ensure the focus remains on the key areas of advice to help people make the right choices to reduce infection  rates and to support people with HIV.”

For full details and background to the planned council cuts click here