Proposed cuts for local budgets could see council tax rise

HIKE NEEDED TO 'SAFEGUARD SERVICES'

- By Bill Edgar Local democracy reporter

Durham County Council deputy leader Darren Grimes

(OWEN HUMPHREYS)

HOUSEHOLDERS could be hit with steeper council tax bills should proposed reductions to vital funding for town and parish councils across County Durham get the green light.

The Reform-controlled Durham County Council has come under fire for suggesting it will slash the £1m annual allocation distributed to communities for maintaining essential local services and staging community events.

The County Durham Association of Local Councils (CDALC), speaking on behalf of town and parish councils, has cautioned that such reductions would disproportionately affect the area's most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

Great Aycliffe Town Council has indicated it would have no choice but to either reduce local provisions or burden residents with increased council tax as it grapples with a £145,000 funding gap.

In response to these proposals, the council declared: "This action is effectively forcing parish and town councils to make a choice, at very late notice, between making significant cuts to services and facilities or considering substantial council tax rises for residents.