Maximum council tax rise has been passed

GATESHEAD Council's Labour administration has passed its budget including the maximum council tax increase allowable alongside millions in savings.

- By AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE

This afternoon’s full council budget meeting at Gateshead civic centre saw the current administration’s budget proposals passed, including a 4.99% council tax rise and more than £10m in efficiencies.

The leader of the local authority, Coun Martin Gannon, stated that, despite the efficiencies - including redundancies and cancelling vacancies - front line services have been protected.

Coun Gannon also stated the 4.99% council tax hike was required to help cope with demand as Gateshead’s population ages.

Council estimates predicted a jump in the over 65s from 41,600 to 47,000 by 2045, and a jump in the over 80s from 11,300 to 17,000 in the same period.