Council chiefs are bracing themselves to make savings totalling more than £1 million because of the economic downturn.

A budget report, which goes before Dartford council’s cabinet tonight, warns the authority may have to tighten its belt because of what it terms, “the dramatic change in the world economy seen in the past few months”.

The document suggests about £1 million will need to be saved in order to balance expenditure and income in 2009-10.

And it warns that if global trends continue a further £600,000 may have to be clawed back in 2010-11.

The council had approved its revenue budget for 2008 to 2011 in February, but the report says this did not take into account or foresee recent economic events.

Despite the council making efficiency savings of more than £3 million since 2004, the report explains, these may not be enough to ward off any long-term crisis.

The report reads: “If the downturn lasts as long as some commentators are predicting it could have serious repercussions for the council’s budget and the services provided to residents.”

But the document does recommend “an initial defensive strategy” which will explore a number of options to cut costs while enhancing front line services.