Northumberland councillors are at odds again over government funding, with Labour and Tory members exchanging heated arguments about budget shortfalls and priorities.
Labour members argue that the council’s core budget has actually increased by over £20 million. This disagreement continued at a recent council meeting. Deputy leader Coun Richard Wearmouth criticized the government for cutting certain funding streams.
He mentioned the loss of the rural services delivery grant, which was expected to be about £3.7 million this year. He pointed out that other councils received funding from the Recovery Fund, but Northumberland did not.
Coun Wearmouth expressed frustration about new MPs not fighting for key funding decisions, like the dualling of the A1. He emphasized the need to advocate for better funding.
Labour members responded strongly. Coun Lynne Grimshaw criticized the previous government’s record on funding. She reminded everyone that the Tory government has had 14 years to lobby for more money.
Coun Grimshaw pointed out that promises about the A1 have not been fulfilled. She argued that the current government is prioritizing funding for children’s care and social care.
According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, council funding per person fell by 26% in the 2010s. Labour’s Coun Caroline Ball asked if the Tory government was responsible for council tax increases during that time.
Coun Wearmouth replied that the impact of previous Labour councils still affects the current situation. He noted that the council’s budget forecast was £170 million, but they actually received £190 million.
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