Gateshead Council's new budget including council tax and social housing rent hikes "put's the most vulnerable at the heart of everything we do", says council leader and Labour councillor Martin Gannon.
The council's Labour majority approved a budget to increase council tax by 4.99% and to spend £25m in reserves. However, the governing party refused Lib Dem pleas for £2.1m from reserves to buy more time for Birtley Swimming Pool and Gateshead Leisure Centre, both of which face potential closure.
Leader of the Gateshead Liberal Democrats Ron Beadle pleaded with the Labour Group for £2.1m to maintain the centres for a whole year, while a panel of experts, community organisations, and council officers explore further options for the sports hubs.
