Calls for honesty are growing as Northumberland’s council faces scrutiny over funding claims
Northumberland: The local Labour leader is calling out the Conservative council for misleading the public about funding. Scott Dickinson MBE wants the Tories to be upfront with residents.
He pointed out that the council actually received over £20 million more than expected. Schools are also getting an extra £24.6 million. This has stirred up some tension between the parties as local elections approach.
It’s the first time voters will head to the polls since 2021. The Conservatives have been the largest party since 2017, so there’s a lot at stake.
Council leader Glen Sanderson mentioned they hoped to cut council tax if they got more from the Government. But Dickinson reminded everyone 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, but actually got £190 million.
Dickinson said the Conservatives are being desperate and urged them to stop misleading residents. He wants them to focus on the needs of Northumberland and build a good relationship with the new Government.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner commented on local government finance, saying the funding system is outdated. She promised steps to create a fairer system for councils.
In response, Coun Richard Wearmouth, the council’s deputy leader, argued that while funding has increased, costs have skyrocketed. He pointed to rising National Insurance charges and other expenses that have hit the council hard.
He claimed the council is actually worse off by about £2.5 million due to these rising costs. It’s a tough situation for everyone involved.
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