THE leader of Northumberland County Council has pledged to protect frontline services in the coming year despite admitting the council is facing “budget challenges”.

In his New Year message, Councillor Glen Sanderson pledged not to compromise on frontline services ahead of upcoming budget meetings in February. He said 2024 would be a year of “ambition and excitement” ahead of the opening of the Northumberland Line.

This is despite the fact that council documents related to the 2024-25 budget have acknowledged that the financial outlook for the local authority will be “extremely challenging for the foreseeable future”. The council is expected to have to make almost £10.9 million in savings next year and a total of £64.2 million by the end of the current medium-term financial plan in 2028.

In his New Year’s message, Cllr Sanderson said: “In 2023, staff have worked to deliver the essential services that underpin the daily lives of our communities, tackle inequalities across the county, and investing in Northumberland’s economy to create jobs, all while striving to deliver value for money for taxpayers.

“We have not and will not compromise on our commitment to frontline services. Despite budget challenges, frontline roles were protected in 2023, a pledge we were proud to guarantee for next year too.

“Our collective efforts on critical issues have yielded tangible results. From expanding broadband access to investing in affordable housing, enhancing our road infrastructure, and providing compassionate care for our older and vulnerable youth, we have made significant strides.”

The council leader’s comments come weeks after he pledged to do all he could to avoid compulsory redundancies – but refused to rule out doing so. Speaking at a meeting of the council’s corporate services and economic growth scrutiny committee in November, he said there would be no compulsory redundancies unless there was an “absolute need” for them.

Cllr Sanderson also praised the council’s education department, which has seen improvements in Ofsted ratings as well as new schools built across the county.

He continued: “This year’s Ofsted results across the county show our commitment to education in Northumberland is bearing fruit. When Northumberland Conservatives took control at County Hall in 2017, schools were low in the regional league tables, with only 74 per cent of schools achieving ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ ratings.

“Today, our schools are the best the North East, with 94 per cent good or outstanding. In 2024 we will double down on our commitment to creating world-class education facilities, having recently awarded £51 million contract for the construction of our new super school in Seaton Valley, with similar initiatives planned for Amble and Berwick.”

Despite this good performance, there is currently pressure on the council’s high-needs funding block for SEND pupils. Fears of a multi-million deficit by next year have led to the council consulting on a series of options to curb spending described as “unpalatable” by education chief David Street.

As well as education, Cllr Sanderson highlighted the Conservative-led administration’s commitment to leisure in the county. He added: “In leisure, our commitment to enhancing community facilities across Northumberland is evident through major investments in various projects.

“Initiatives include the introduction of indoor bowls at the Berwick Leisure Centre and a new soft play area at the refurbished Wentworth Leisure Centre in Hexham.

“Cramlington has received targeted investment, and we are exploring innovative solutions for library facilities in Bedlington. Recently approved is a £1.5 million project to modernize Prudhoe Waterworld, contributing to our goal of providing high-quality facilities that promote healthy living and the grand opening of the multi-million-pound Morpeth Leisure Centre has positioned us among the leaders in leisure amenities nationwide.”

The county council has recently announced the appointment of a new leisure provider to run services in the county. Active Northumberland will be replaced by Places for People Leisure Management in April after nine years at the helm of the county’s leisure centres.

Looking ahead to 2024, Cllr Sanderson said: “We embark on another year of ambition and excitement. The Northumberland Line is on track to open next year, evidence of the commitment of a Conservative Government working with a Conservative County Council to improve the prosperity of Northumberland.

“Coupled with substantial investments in Blyth and Ashington, as well as a comprehensive strategy for towns across the County, I am filled with confidence for another year of high achievement for the council. Our collective vision for a thriving, vibrant community is becoming a reality, and together, we will continue to build a better future for all. Thank you, and let us stride into 2024 with optimism, purpose, and a shared commitment to the well-being of Northumberland.”

The opening date of the Northumberland Line is currently unknown, with Cllr Sanderson himself admitting it was “too early” to say when the landmark rail project to bring passenger services back to southeast Northumberland for the first time in decades would be completed.

That admission came after reports stations at Blyth Bebside and Bedlington could open later than others.

In terms of regeneration in Blyth and Ashington, design teams were appointed last month to further work on the project to revitalise Ashington town centre, while a planning application for the long-awaited Blyth Relief Road is expected to be submitted next month ahead of a planned completion in spring 2026.