Northumberland County Council budget to "focus on economic recovery"

A budget focused on economic recovery, protecting frontline services and looking after the most vulnerable is to be considered by the County Council.

Proposals now put forward will see an emphasis on delivering a green and sustainable future for the county, with the Council’s climate change action a main driver behind the plans.

Among the priorities for the year include attracting investment and high-quality jobs to the county. In addition, the council pledges to deliver the Borderlands Place Programme alongside other initiatives to drive rural economic growth. Also, the council plans to continue the re-opening of the Northumberland Line rail project.

The budget proposals include an £307m capital programme for 2022/23 covering everything from major investment in affordable housing, continued improvements to leisure centres and a range of renewable energy schemes to make the county greener and cleaner.

Savings of £9.7m are also earmarked, although Council Leader Councillor Glen Sanderson states these will not be at the expense of frontline services.

Glen explained: “We’re very proud of the work that has gone into this budget over the past few months – it’s very much looking to the future but recognises that many of us are still facing challenges.

“We are very hopeful this year we can continue to grow our economy – last summer saw huge visitor numbers return to the county – and with recent announcements of major employers setting up in the county we’re starting 2022 with a positive outlook and the budget reflects that.

“But all local authorities are operating in a period of financial uncertainty through a number of factors, including budget pressures and those on national public finances, as well as the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on our expenditure and income.

“However, we have been clear any savings must not affect our frontline services and we feel we have achieved this. Wherever possible, these savings will be achieved by doing things differently - by transforming the way the Council delivers its services and being more efficient.

The budget plans will be considered by an all-member scrutiny committee on February 7th, Cabinet on February 8th and the final proposals will then be put before full Council and discussed on February 23rd.