Two top Brighton and Hove Council officials may lose their jobs in a surprise shake-up aimed at cutting costs.

They are city services director Paul Hart and culture director Sarah Tanburn.

The changes were outlined to the ruling Labour group on Tuesday evening in private and accepted in principle. They were announced to staff last night.

But opposition councillors are unhappy with the changes, which they say will lower morale.

The changes are part of a big shake-up caused by an impending £8 million hole in the budget caused mainly by a likely slashing of Government grants.

Chief executive David Panter sent a letter to all staff last night.

He also made a short announcement to members of the policy committee. If agreed at the December policy meeting, the two director posts will be deleted.

A new post will be created to cover social welfare, housing and other functions of the authority.

The changes were being flagged up now to give the officers a chance to discuss their futures and the council to prepare its budget.

Mr Panter said the changes were being made for many reasons, including the need to make big cuts and great support needed for major projects, including redeveloping the Brighton Centre and finding a home for the Albion.

Labour chief whip Brian Fitch said: "The reason this is being done is to protect front-line services like keeping the streets clean and emptying dustbins.

"Faced with a multi-million pound deficit, drastic action had to be taken but basic services to residents will not be diminished."