Money on a desk

Cabinet approves budget proposals

Northumberland  County Council’s Cabinet has approved budget proposals for the coming year which wilnow go out for public consultation next month. 
 
A cornerstone of the proposals will be a focus on economic recovery after a challenging financial year, with significant budget pressures due to increased demand in adult and children's social care, special educational needs and disability services, as well as the impact of Covid-19. 
 
Savings of £8.3million have been identified to balance the budget for 2020-21, and provisional efficiencies of £19.8million and £15.3million have been identified for the following two years.  
 
However, over the coming years there will also be significant push on helping Northumberland recover and grow economically, with an emphasis on delivering a green and sustainable future for the county. 
 
Leader of the Council, Glen Sanderson said: “We always knew the financial context was going to be challenging from 2020-21 and this has only intensified as a result of Covid where we have experienced increased spending pressures alongside falling income. 
 
“Despite this, we remain committed to maintaining the services that our residents and businesses rely on, supporting the most vulnerable people in our communities and leading the economic recovery in the county. 
 
We will continue investing in the county’s future economic growth and have developed ambitious plans to grow in sustainable energy, delivering a green recovery. 
 
“We’re also in a good position to maximise opportunities offered through our involvement in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and North of Tyne Combined Authority to maximise funding and investment for Northumberland. 
 
Public consultation on the budget proposals will start on 10 December and run for six weeks. Following consultation, the final budget proposals will be put forward for approval by the Full Council in February 2021. 
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