North Tyneside families facing council tax rise as local authority approves budget proposals

North Tyneside Council is set to raise council tax by 5% as the local authority looks to save £18 million in 2017/18.

The Council has already saved £101 million since 2010 as part of savings due to a reduction in government spending and says the proposal to raise tax by 5% comes at a time when the demand for services such as vulnerable adults and children's social care is increasing.

Residents, community groups and local businesses have given their views on the budget proposals since they were launched in November 2016, via a series of public consultation events and on the council’s website.

North Tyneside's sport, leisure centres and libraries will be protected in the budget while the council will continue the £5 million spent each year on maintaining the condition of roads and pavements across the borough.

The council says it had no choice but to accept Central Government’s option to increase the adult social care precept. This will raise an additional £2.25 million to support vulnerable people and families. In turn it will mean an overall increase in council tax of 5%, in line with Central Government advice. This will ensure the council can continue to deliver the essential services that residents need to stay safe and cared for.

The proposed budget will continue to focus on key areas, including:

• Transforming key areas across the borough including Whitley Bay Spanish City Dome and seafront and the Swans site in Wallsend

• Delivering 3,000 new affordable homes over the next 10 years

• Building 900 new sheltered homes for older residents via the North Tyneside Living scheme

The proposed budget will be discussed at full Council on February 2 before being finally approved at a Council meeting later in the month.