Tories propose alternative budget for Northumberland

Posted by The Journal on Jan 21, 09 12:30 PM in Councils

Peter Jackson Conservatives in Northumberland have proposed an alternative council budget which would see a lower tax rise introduced equally across the county.

The Tories have proposed a 3% rise in tax as a key part of their budget suggestions. The ruling Liberal Democrat group recently announced a 4.8% rise alongside service cuts.

When the six Northumberland councils were told to merge into one unitary authority, supporters said it would mean council tax was set at the lowest level to make the process fair for all households.

The Conservatives have since made much political capital out of a council U-turn which will instead see homes valued in the same band charged different rates for the same level of service.

Peter Jackson, pictured, Conservative group leader, said his team had found an extra £4.5m in council savings on top of the £25.5m already planned for the new authority.

Mr Jackson said £1.5m of these savings would cover the cost of introducing one rate for every tax band no matter which part of the county the house is based.

Mr Jackson said: "We would honour the promise made to the public in the original proposals for the unitary authority. Part of our budget is intended to reverse cuts to some services."

Mr Jackson's proposals include a reversal of Lib Dem plans to increase day care charges for pensioners and extra borrowing to ensure no further cuts are made to essential road maintenance.

There is also an £829,995 fund for housing investment, which would see money spent mostly on local construction companies paid to insulate Northumberland homes.

Liberal Democrat leader Jeff Reid has previously said he is "committed to protecting frontline services" and has blamed central Government for forcing spending cuts onto the council.

The current average cost for band D homes are: Blyth Valley: £1,351.83. Alnwick District: £1,384.95, Castle Morpeth: £1,425.84, Berwick Borough: £1,379.84, Tynedale District: £1,361.02.

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