ESCALATING costs could render some vital Borderlands projects “unaffordable”, according to Northumberland County Council’s finance chief.

Jan Willis said more support from Government was needed to deliver projects promised under the landmark deal, which covers local authorities on both sides of the Scottish border.

The council’s section 151 officer made the comments at a meeting of the authority’s audit committee on Wednesday, November 29.

The £450 million Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal was signed in March 2021. The Government hailed it as bringing fresh investment to the area, with Northumberland benefitting via projects such as the ongoing Maltings Theatre in Berwick and the now-completed Wooler’s Ad Gefrin whisky distillery.

But speaking at Wednesday’s meeting, there was an acknowledgement that some projects weren’t progressing as quickly as hoped and that discussions were ongoing with the Department of Levelling up, Housing and Communities (LUHC). It followed a question from Stocksfield councillor Anne Dale.

Cllr Dale said: “With the Borderlands, I know in Prudhoe they haven’t had anything for well over a year. It seems to be sticking, I don’t know what’s happening.

“Have they all been delayed? It’s about what is going to be delivered and when? I think that is where the frustration lies.”

Ms Willis answered: “I have been involved in discussions with LUHC officials about how costs escalating are going to be dealt with, and that is a significant challenge facing the Borderlands.

“Some of the projects are becoming increasingly unaffordable unless Government put more money into the pot. So, some of the delay is due to those discussions taking place with Government.”