Northumberland County Council councillors discuss council tax

On Tuesday (November 7), members of the council’s cabinet agreed to continue to provide up to 92 per cent of council tax support for the county’s most vulnerable residents. 

In 2019, the council reduced the maximum level of relief on council tax for working-age claimants from 100 per cent to 92 per cent – and has faced calls on an annual basis to reinstate the higher rate of support ever since.

But speaking at Tuesday’s meeting, the council’s leader and deputy leader took the opportunity to criticise their political opponents.

The council’s cabinet is made up of Conservative councillors, and opposition members are not present to scrutinise decisions.

Deputy leader Cllr Richard Wearmouth said: “Every year this administration pledges to help those who need our help the most, and this year is no exception. Yet again we’re putting in place a scheme that will support up to a level of 92 per cent.

“That makes this administration – a Conservative administration – the most generous in the North East other than Durham – which also happens to have at least a part Conservative administration. It’s something that our Labour colleagues may want to reflect on when they’re setting their budgets in the LA7 and indeed further afield.

“This support is a key policy to reduce inequalities across the county and I think it is sometimes dwelling on the huge number that we pledge in support every year. There will be further consideration of what additional support we might be able to provide in terms of hardship measures.”

Council leader Glen Sanderson added: “I think it’s really interesting the point that you make about other councils and that we are very generous. Last budget we actually upped the amount we gave to those people who need our help the most.

“It was one of the most generous schemes anywhere in the country. I’m really proud that we do this.”