Northumberland County Council grapples with rising costs, proposing £15.8 million in savings amid budget disagreements and increased service demands.
Northumberland council must save almost £16 million. The council budget faces rising costs. Social care and recycling costs have increased. They need more cuts than expected.
The council already planned £14 million in cuts. Finance head Jan Willis talked about these funding issues.
Labour and Conservative councillors disagree on government funding. Conservatives say funding from the government is insufficient. Labour argues the council received £20 million extra. Willis spoke at a council committee meeting on Monday. Increased funding still accompanies increased pressure on costs.
Willis said figures vary. Core spending rose by just over £20 million. Council tax increases cover £14.6 million of this. Government money accounts for £5.6 million.
She stated that increased funds don’t mean extra spending money. The council faces new responsibilities too. They gained £20 million, but costs rose by £40 million.
A report showed proposed savings of £15.8 million. This plan should be part of the upcoming budget. It will be determined later this year.
Reviewing adult care packages will save £3 million. Creating ten children’s beds locally will save £2.29 million. They can place fewer children outside the county. The BEST program seeks to further cut costs. It modernizes council operations.
Willis said they foresaw big cuts last year. Approved savings reached £14 million last year. This helped them start planning early. They needed to find another £2 million in savings.
The council cabinet reviews the budget soon. Full council will debate and approve it later. It should happen before the end of the month.
