Calls for honesty are growing as Northumberland’s council faces scrutiny over government funding claims and budget management
Northumberland: The leader of the Labour party in Northumberland is calling out the Conservative-led council for not being upfront about funding. Scott Dickinson MBE is urging the Tories to be honest with residents after they claimed government funding was lower than expected.
Interestingly, the council actually received over £20 million more than before, and schools are getting an extra £24.6 million. This has stirred up some tension between the parties, especially with local elections coming up in May.
Glen Sanderson, the council leader, mentioned they were hoping to cut council tax if the funding had been better. But Dickinson pointed out that tax hikes were already planned in last year’s budget.
The budget for 2024/25 shows a 2.99% increase in council tax for 2025/26, plus 1.99% each year until 2028. They expected £170 million from the government this year, but actually got £190 million.
Dickinson didn’t hold back, saying the Conservatives are being “seriously desperate” and need to stop misleading the public. He wants them to focus on building a good relationship with the new government and addressing the needs of Northumberland residents.
On the topic of local government finance, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner commented that councils have been let down by an outdated funding system. She emphasized the need for a fairer system to ensure taxpayer money is used efficiently.
In response, Coun Richard Wearmouth, the council’s deputy leader, argued that while funding has increased, costs have skyrocketed. He pointed out that the council is facing over £4 million in extra costs due to National Insurance hikes and other financial pressures.
He also mentioned that the council is about £2.5 million worse off overall. It’s a tough situation, and the back-and-forth between the parties is heating up as they prepare for the upcoming elections.
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