Key Highlights
- Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson insists capital programme is affordable despite budget pressures.
- The 2026/27 capital programme stands at £340.5 million with over £300 million allocated for new schools, roads, and regeneration schemes.
- Savings of £18.5 million have been proposed in the current year’s budget set to go before full council next week.
- Council tax bills are expected to rise by 2.99%.
The Capital Programme’s Reality Check: Northumberland’s Budget Battle
Northumberland County Council is facing a tough budgetary battle, and the leader Glen Sanderson is not backing down. Despite criticism from Reform over the council’s level of borrowing, he insists that their capital programme remains affordable.
The Numbers Game
The 2026/27 capital programme totals £340.5 million, a hefty sum to some but defended by Sanderson as “how councils spend money.” Of this, £147.1 million comes from external funding and another £193 million from Government grants.
Achieving Development: New Projects in the Works
The council is making significant investments across the county. £24.3 million has been allocated for the Berwick Academy rebuild, with a further £14.9 million earmarked for school system redevelopment in Amble. Blyth will also benefit from major regeneration projects, including an additional £8.7 million for Energy Central Campus and £13.2 million for Blyth Relief Road.
Local Taxpayer Impact
The cost to residents is set to rise with council tax bills expected to increase by 2.99%. Sanderson justifies this as necessary for maintaining the infrastructure that benefits everyone, arguing that it’s a matter of careful spending and external funding.
Opposition and Savings Proposals
The budget requires approval from full council next Wednesday. The Conservatives lead a minority administration, meaning they will need support from opposition parties to pass this policy. Sanderson is confident about the savings proposal, stating that “We know right across the county people are seeing new areas of development.”
But you might think this is new, but… it’s been done before in many local authorities. Budget battles and capital programme justifications have become a regular part of the democratic process.
The Bottom Line
Northumberland County Council’s leader Glen Sanderson is pushing through a significant budget that aims to improve infrastructure while keeping council taxes under control. The key will be in how these projects play out and whether they truly address the needs of the community, as promised.
