Jersey's Council of Minister has announced plans to reduce public spending by £12m next year as part of a three-year strategy to help tackle projected deficits.

The savings identified as part of a comprehensive spending review (CSR) will be the first step in the island government's bid to save an ongoing £50m each year. A number of public sector posts are expected to be lost as a result of the proposed cuts, although it is hoped this will be achieved through vacancy control, retirement and redeployment.

Ministers have proposed the end of a summer lifeguarding service at Havre Des Pas Pool, the abolition of the island's primary school PE enhancement scheme and reduced event funding. Meanwhile, the States of Jersey is also proposing investment worth £3m, including support for Jersey Heritage Trust - investment it said was "essential and unavoidable".

Six in-depth spending reviews are now underway across services run by the state, including education, sport and culture. Jersey's treasury minister Philip Ozouf said: "This has been a difficult process but I am pleased that we have succeeded in achieving proposals for the first phase of the CSR. This is the start of a long road in the CSR process.

"The CSR is an opportunity to re-assess the public sector's priorities, to reorganise the way departments work and to make sure we provide the services islanders need in the most efficient way possible."