North Tyneside Council Approves Tax Hike and Two Hundred Job Cuts

North Tyneside Council approved their budget, with Labour councillors voting in favor. It includes a tax increase and job cuts. The council tax will rise by 4.99%, and two hundred council jobs will be lost.

Job losses will help save £11 million, addressing the £31 million in fiscal pressures the council faces. These job cuts represent a five percent workforce reduction, while the council tax increase should generate £6.5 million.

Here are the new council tax bands: Band A is £1,557.63, Band B is £1,817.24, Band C is £2,076.84, and Band D is £2,336.45. Band E is £2,885.66, Band F is £3,374.88, Band G is £3,894.08, and Band H is £4,672.90.

The council has tax support plans in place. Some working people can receive an 85% discount, while pensioners can get up to 100% off. Additionally, a local support scheme offers up to £150.

Anthony McMullen spoke about the budget, stating that the council faced great challenges. He maintained that the budget was responsible and delivers council priorities.

Hannah Johnson praised the council’s fiscal management, highlighting that libraries and leisure centers remain open. However, opposition Conservatives criticized Labour’s budget, with Liam Bones saying residents get little in return.

Carl Johnson defended the budget, pointing out that the Tories offered no alternative plan and that the Tory government cut £500m. Labour voted 42-7-1 to pass the budget, with seven Conservatives and one independent voting against it.