News :North Lincolnshire & Surrounding area

Central government has cut funding to North Lincolnshire Council in real terms, while claiming an increase and expecting residents to pay more and make up the difference.

Ministers say council funding is going up. In reality, the figures fail to account for inflation, National Insurance increases, rising demand and the true cost of care – they are built on the assumption that councils will raise tax by the maximum amount each year to plug the gap.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, has described the settlement as a “sleight of hand” – government gives on paper, takes away, and expects local taxpayers to pick up the bill.

More than 80 per cent of the council’s budget is spent supporting vulnerable adults and children with additional needs – people who rely entirely on the council for care, safety and support. Those costs are rising rapidly, but government funding is not keeping pace.

Cllr Waltham said: “Government will point to the headline figure rising, but it does not come close to covering the real cost of delivering essential services – it is sleight of hand.

“They are giving with one hand, taking away with the other, and expecting residents here to fill the gap through higher council tax.

“North Lincolnshire Council is efficient, disciplined and relentlessly focused on value for money – but even the best-run councils cannot defy reality when funding falls behind need.”

Despite the financial pressure, the council continues to protect the everyday services residents value – including free car parking, free books for young children, investment in leisure centres, community hubs, libraries and community grants – while absorbing rising costs elsewhere.

Cllr Waltham added: “Every pound matters, every day. We are frugal, focused and determined to spend money where it makes the biggest difference to residents’ lives.

“We will continue doing everything possible to keep council tax as low as we can – but residents deserve honesty about where the pressure is coming from. National funding decisions have real local consequences.”

The leader also highlighted the strength of North Lincolnshire’s communities, where volunteers, sports clubs, charities and community groups play a vital role in supporting residents – from reading in schools and caring, volunteering in museums, to litter picking, tree planting schemes and grassroots sport.

He said: “Our communities step up for each other every day. That strength is something to be proud of – but it should never be used as an excuse for government to walk away from its responsibility to properly fund essential services.”

“This isn’t about extras. This is about care for vulnerable adults and children with additional needs – services that simply do not exist anywhere else.

“When government funding falls behind reality, it is the most vulnerable who carry the risk, while councils are left in the firing line.

“Residents are being told there is more money, while being asked to pay more and receive less. That is not honest.”

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Residents and visitors to Owston Ferry can enjoy the festive lights throughout the village thanks to essential electrical upgrades that have been carried out.

Owston Ferry Community Tree and Lights Committee received £8,946 Community Grant funding from North Lincolnshire Council.

This funding upgraded three feeder light pillars to improve reliability and safety, ensuring the continued success of the village’s seasonal decorations and community events, including the recent Christmas lights switch-on.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are always delighted to support community groups like Owston Ferry Community Tree and Lights Committee. The committee works hard to provide decorations in the village and events for all the community to get involved in, creating a real sense of community pride.

“The electrical upgrades have ensured the much-loved festive lights continue to work for many years to come.

“The Community Grant Fund is about communities – helping them develop, thrive and support others.”

The committee also allocated £993 from their own fund for the improvement work.

Since launching in 2011, the Community Grant Fund has pumped millions into grassroots projects across the region – from sports clubs and youth groups to charities and parish councils – helping to strengthen communities and support local talent.

Grants are available for junior and youth groups, charitable bodies, co-operatives, not-for-profit organisations, and individuals demonstrating excellence in sport, art, or culture. Support is also available for venue hire, helping keep community spaces open and active.

Find out how a grant can make a difference to your neighbourhood on the community grants page of our website.

The post Council cash helps light up village: Owston Ferry Community Tree and Lights Committee secures grant for electrical upgrade appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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