North Lincolnshire Council has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting taxpayers’ money and maintaining strong financial control as it responds to growing demand and pressures affecting local authorities across the country.
Rising demand for adult social care, support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and education transport is placing increasing pressure on council budgets.
The council is taking action through strengthened financial controls, transformation and a continued focus on reducing future costs while protecting the services residents rely on.
Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for finance and efficiency, said: “We treat taxpayers’ money as sacrosanct.
“It is not the council’s money, and it is not the Government’s money. It belongs to the people who worked to earn it.
“That is why we challenge every pound spent, invest where doing so will reduce costs in the future and free up resources for the things that matter most to residents.
“We are not immune from the financial pressures facing councils across the country, and we will not minimise them. But we have a grip on the position, we are taking action and we will continue the work to keep spending in balance."
Following the approval of its latest financial update at Cabinet, the council has set out how it is managing pressures across essential services while continuing to invest in prevention, service improvement and long-term financial sustainability.
Cllr Mitchell added: “These are not optional extras. They are essential services supporting children, older people and some of the most vulnerable residents in North Lincolnshire.
“Yet councils are being left to manage growing demand and rising costs without the certainty of a sustainable national funding system - local taxpayers will not be left carrying the uncertainty of a national system.
“North Lincolnshire has maintained financial resilience through careful planning and disciplined management. We intend to keep it that way."