Government is blamed for likely cuts and rises

LEADER OF COUNCIL SAYS 'WE'RE SHORT OF MONEY'

- By JAMES ROBINSON Reporter

THE Conservative leader of Northumberland County Council has blamed a poor financial settlement from Government for looming cuts in this year's budget.

The Tory-led administration will set out its plans for year ahead in the coming weeks, with council tax rises and efficiencies expected.

Councillors have already clashed with MPs over the settlement, which was finalised following Government reform of council funding to target areas with higher level of deprivation.

The county's Labour MPs said the council would receive an additional £102 million between 2024 and 2029, with an additional £25 million already allocated last year.

However, the Tories have argued that this presumes councils will increase council tax by the maximum level allowed for the next three years.

Leading members have said they expect to find up to £10 million in further cuts this year, having already delivered "planned efficiencies of £27.4 million.

Speaking at Tuesday's meeting of the council's cabinet, leader Glen Sanderson said: "The fact that we are in a sound financial position is frankly no thanks to the settlement we get from Government every year.