A UNION leader fired a verbal broadside against Wirral's Labour-led council over a radical shake-up in the way services are provided.

A new council-owned community interest company and charitable trust are being considerd as alternative, cost-saving ways of delivering public services.

A demonstration against the changes was held outside Wallasey Town Hall this morning as the ruling cabinet met.

Many of the cost-cutting schemes have been recommended by a firm of consultants commissioned to review services.

Wirral Unison chief Paddy Cleary said the moves will cost 100 jobs - and he fears a "consulatation excercise" will be a sham.

He addressed the meeting telling councillors: "I am disappointed a party we affiliate to does not give trade unions the same opportunities allowed to consultants and outside agencies whose ultimate agenda does not put the best interests of our members and Wirral residents first.

"I find it insulting consultants can address the full Labour group and share information and we are prevented from doing so.

"And I find it insulating that managers, staff and trade unions are not involved in scrutiny groups."

His comments were triggered by the local authority seeking to radically alter the way it goes about its business.

Reductions in Government funding mean that by 2020 the council will have to be "self-sufficient" - savings of £130m must be realised by then and politicians are exploring ways of generating income to help soften the blow.

A report before the cabinet centered on social care, leisure centres, libraries and parks and said new ways should be found to provide the services at reduced cost.

Mr Cleary said: "This sets us on the path to re-provision of services, make no mistake about it.

"Before any challenge or alternative is mooted, the ship has already set sail with a 'business case' expected by June which is frightening in its speed.

"It will be a mistake to not fully scrutinise any recommendations with input from trade unions, staff, local managers and residents in the various strands and site locations.

"This is a worrying time yet again for our members and service-users alike".

He implored the cabinet to thoroughly explore keeping services in-house before any final decisions are made.

Deputy council leader Cllr Ann McLachlan, cabinet member for transformation, leisure and culture, said: "We want that in-house option to be kept open.

"I am sorry [Mr Cleary] feels information has not been shared, but we have been very clear from the outset that we wanted to share the data with you.

"I want to assure people there will be a full consultation process ahead of any development plan going forward.

"Many other councils have divested themselves of running leisure services - but we are going to do our level best to deliver a different view to keep the services in-house."