Newcastle’s council leader has warned that a “building block of democracy” is under threat as massive budget cuts edge closer.
City council chiefs expect they will have to make £67m worth of cutbacks over the next three years as public finances are put under severe strain, starting with £23m savings in 2023/24. Residents are facing a 3.99% hike in their council tax bills and rising charges for car parking, while social services are being asked to slash their spending by more than £6m.
A total of 54 council jobs will also be lost, though 40 of those set to go are currently vacant posts. More than £300m has been wiped off Newcastle City Council’s annual budget due to austerity cuts since 2010 and authorities across the North East are having to make big savings this year, as they grapple with an economic crisis and spiralling inflation costs.
