Northants' Finances Shape Up

6 February 2019, 16:12 | Updated: 6 February 2019, 16:13

New numbers out today show Northamptonshire County Council is on track to deliver budget this year - close to a balance than it's seen in years.

The authority's posted a £28.8m improvement in its overall financial position over the past 6 months and means it's due to end the financial year £1.4m over-spent.

The forecast last summer for this point in the year - was a £30.1m overspend.

Buoyed up by it's improved coffers, the council announced new budget proposals for the new financial year.
 
The authority wants a 4.99% Council Tax increase (an additional 75p to £1 a week for most people in Band A-C homes).

That cash would generate an additional £5.8m which will be used as follows:
 
•    An extra £475,000 to permanently reinstate the previous winter gritting and winter maintenance of roads
•    Scrapping plans to charge for community use of schools by uniformed and community groups
•    An additional £1.2m for Children’s Services
•    A reversal of plans to charge for higher specification community equipment
•    An extra £673,000 towards independent adult social care placements
•    Provide greater financial resilience
•    Provide a more sustainable financial foundation for any future Unitary Councils.
 
The budget will now be presented before Cabinet on February 14 before being debated at Full Council on February 21.