The leader and deputy leader of Northumberland County Council have come out fighting following criticism from opposition group leaders over a multi-million pound shortfall.
Earlier this week the Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed that the council was facing a £17 million black hole in its finances, blamed on inflationary pressures and the increased cost of fuel.
This led to criticism of the council's Conservative administration from opposition leaders, with both the Liberal Democrat and Independent group leaders saying they only found out after seeing the news in the media.
