Council chief hits back at Farage over finances

THE leader of Northumberland County Council has slammed Nigel Farage after the Reform UK leader criticised the local authority’s finances.

- JAMES ROBINSON Local Democracy Reporter [e-mail]

During a visit to Morpeth on Tuesday, Mr Farage said his party would slash “unnecessary spending” if they came to power at next month’s local elections. However, Conservative leader Glen Sanderson has defended his administration's financial record.

Coun Sanderson, who is standing for re-election in the Longhorsley ward, also backed the council’s spending on tackling climate change. It comes after Mr Farage told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he would cut spending on the council's net zero targets.

Coun Sanderson said: "I think it’s fair to say that again, the facts have not been given a proper hearing. Political antagonism has taken place instead of a careful consideration of the situation around the council.

"The level of borrowing we have at the council has been judged to be absolutely fine. We have received an outstanding plaudit from external audit for our value for money they wouldn't say that if there was any issue at all.