Views sought on Northumberland County Council budget plans

Residents are being invited to have their say on next year’s Northumberland County Council budget.

Each year Northumberland County Council must set a balanced budget, which sets out its spending and investment plans and how its services will be funded.

The budget must also take account of new cost-pressures as well as making sure all its services are as efficient as possible. Crucially, for the coming year, no reductions are planned to council services.

The County Council’s budget setting process is happening now and residents’ views are vital ahead of key decisions being taken.

People can now give their views on a wide range of budget and Council service issues in this online questionnaire at https://nland.cc/yoursay

This consultation runs for six weeks until 26th January 2024, with the budget due to go before Full Council in February next year.

Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “Budget planning has been ongoing for many months. We remain in a strong financial position, and this will remain a cornerstone of decision making as we go forward.

“I’m delighted we are not proposing reductions in services though. Residents’ views, along with those of businesses, partners and other stakeholders are really important because the Council exists to serve our communities.

“It’s a genuine consultation and an opportunity for residents to let us know how they’d prioritise the services we deliver.”

As part of the consultation Northumberland County Council is also planning an online event in the New Year where residents can ask the Leader of the Council questions on services and the budget.