A finance chief has read the Riot Act to Brighton and Hove council directors after forecasts of a vast overspend.

On current projections, the departments of Brighton and Hove City Council will be £5.7 million over budget at the end of the financial year.

In a report which will go before councillors on Wednesday, Paul Hart, the council's director of performance and resources, says: "The forecast overspending is of extreme concern and in terms of the council's budget strategy is not sustainable."

He warns officials they must take immediate measures to contain spending so the council breaks even.

The district auditor will also expect the council to take immediate action to put things right.

Economy measures will include deciding whether empty posts in the council need to be filled and evaluating whether day-to-day spending is justified.

Fees and charges for council-run services may have to be increased by more than inflation to bring in extra cash.

Mr Hart said: "It is particularly worrying that elements of the forecast overspending are still attributable to budget pressures that have now been facing the council for a number of years."

One of these is housing, where an overspend of £2.275 million is expected.

There are 353 homeless families in bed and breakfast temporary housing, many more than expected.

Hundreds more are being looked after by housing associations and in the council's own temporary rooms.

Housing director Alan McCarthy said: "Continuing high numbers of homeless families and the acute housing shortage indicate that the overspend will be difficult to reduce further."

The social care and health department is a persistent overspender, with an estimate it will be £2 million over budget for this financial year.

However, social care director Allan Bowman said plans were being drawn up to reduce this figure.

There is also a problem in the culture department, with low entertainment bookings next spring for the Brighton Centre and less income than expected coming in from the ailing King Alfred Leisure Centre in Hove.

Jackie Lythell, deputy leader and finance Cabinet councillor, said she was deeply concerned about the projected overspending and the council would have a serious look at how to prevent it carrying on next year.