North East Lincolnshire Council leaders predicted “black holes” in their budget, which could see council tax rise by nearly 5% due to COVID impact on finances.
The authority’s cabinet on Wednesday passed proposals to increase council tax by 1.98% and the adult social care precept by 3% in 2021/22, along a new “COVID-19 reserve” in order to tackle ongoing pressures.
The authority managed to balance its funding this year, but predicts that nearly £9.3million of savings will need to be made by 2023/24.
Portfolio holder for finance and resource Councillor Stan Shreeve told members that a “considerable” amount of time had been spent putting the budget together.
“Despite the obvious difficulties presented, this draft budget still reflect in both revenue, and capital expenditure terms, this administration’s determination to improve our borough, and the lives of our residents through the provision of first class, efficient, services.
“It does not mean that there will not be hard decisions – of course there will be, but officers and cabinet colleagues are united in our aims to meet both strategic priorities: have stronger economy, and stronger communities.”
Portfolio holder for finance and resource Councillor Stan Shreeve
He added: “The media has focused on what it calls black holes in finances because that’s exciting, but, as was said at the time, a shortfall in areas was to be expected and stages, two, and three, of this draft still signpost for future financial challenges.”
The tax rise will equate to a rise of £92.81 to a total of £1,956.57 for a Band D property – an increase of £1.78 a week.
North East Lincolnshire Council leader Councillor Philip Jackson said the budget, which was started several months ago, had been a “long and torturous process.”
It will now go before scrutiny committees and out to public consultation before Full Council in February.
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A Lincoln resident is frustrated with vehicles parking on single yellow lines on Lincoln High Street, while the county council says the current regulation order means it’s unable to enforce the area properly, despite signage saying cars cannot park there.
Richard Bridgen has been living off Riverside Drive in Lincoln for around five years now, and over recent months he has noticed a particular trend around parking on a section of the High Street, which can impede his view as he tries to turn from Gaunt Street.
Lincoln residents in the Boultham area have become increasingly hesitant to report crime, citing concerns that the shortage in police staffing will lead to a lack of response.
Lincolnshire County Councillor Kevin Clarke (Labour) reports being contacted by multiple residents in the last few months who have suffered break-ins at their homes or gardens. Despite these incidents, they claim to have received minimal support from Lincolnshire Police.
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