Northumberland County Council aims to save £15.8 million amid rising social care and recycling costs. They need more savings next year.
Northumberland County Council wants to cut costs. They need to save almost £16 million next year. Social care and recycling cost more now.
The council needs to find extra savings.
Jan Willis says costs are rising. She is the head of finance for the council. They already cut £14 million last year. They still need to save more money.
Council members argue about government funding. Conservatives say the funding is “disappointing.” Labour says they got an extra £20 million. Willis spoke at a council meeting.
Funding went up, but costs did too. Core spending power increased by over £20 million. But council tax covers £14.6 million of that. The government gave them £5.6 million extra.
It’s not an extra £20 million to spend freely. They have new responsibilities too. They gained £20 million, but face £40 million in extra costs.
The council plans to save £15.8 million. They will review adult care packages to save £3 million. They will build ten new children’s beds.
This saves £2.29 million. Fewer children will need out-of-county care.
The BEST program will save more money. It will modernize the council’s work methods. They had planned for big savings last year. They approved £14 million in cuts.
They found another £2 million in savings. The budget goes to the cabinet next week. Then the whole council will vote on it. This happens at the end of the month.
