Northumberland Leader Assures Affordable Capital Program Amid Budget Constraints
The leader of Northumberland County Council has reiterated the commitment of the Conservative administration to maintaining an affordable capital program despite current budget constraints. Savings amounting to £18.5 million have been proposed for this year’s budget, which will be presented to the full council next week. Residents should prepare for an increase in council tax bills by 2.99%.
Details of the Capital Program
The capital program for the fiscal year 2026/27 is projected at £340.5 million. During a recent cabinet meeting, leader Glen Sanderson emphasized its affordability, citing advice from treasury experts and backing from a peer review by the Local Government Association and external auditors.
Sanderson stated, “We’re very careful around our capital program. It might look like a lot of money, but it is how councils operate. They borrow to fund projects.” This approach, he argued, is visible through ongoing developments across the county.
Funding Breakdown
- Total capital program: £340.5 million
- External funding: £147.1 million
- Funding from Government grants: £193 million
Investment in Education and Infrastructure
The council has made significant investments in recent years, particularly in education. New school projects have been launched in Hexham, Ponteland, and Seaton Valley. Looking ahead, allocations include:
- £24.3 million for the rebuild of Berwick Academy
- £14.9 million for redevelopment in Amble
- Over £3 million sourced externally for these projects
Regeneration Projects in Blyth
Blyth is also set to benefit from considerable investments, including:
- £8.7 million for the second phase of the Energy Central Campus
- £13.2 million for the Blyth Relief Road, with just under £12 million coming from external sources
The proposed budget will need the approval of the full council next Wednesday. With the Conservatives leading a minority administration, they may require support from opposition parties to ensure it passes.
