Norfolk getting a raw funding deal compared to areas in the north, says council leader Tim Adams

Norfolk is getting a raw deal compared to areas in the north, a council leader has said, after the latest funding announcement gave district authorities just 1p more to spend per person.

Tim Adams, of North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) - which covers towns such as Fakenham - has criticised the tiny increase to the council’s settlement this year, saying the Labour Government “should be embarrassed”.

An £800,000 rise to coffers equates to spending power being boosted by just one penny per head in the district - a 0.32% rise.

However, metropolitan and unitary authorities in northern areas such as Greater Manchester have received an 8.37% increase, showing rural Norfolk is losing out on investment.

Discussing the issue at a cabinet meeting last week, Cllr Adams said: “The Government should be embarrassed. Rural areas continue to pay significantly more for fewer services compared to urban areas in the North.

“It is pretty stark.”

The funding gap affects all district councils in Norfolk, which are to receive an average increase of just 0.32% according to NNDC officers.

County councils are to get an average 5.86% increase in funds this year.

The issue has added to councillors’ concerns that plans to restructure councils by dissolving districts to create multiple unitary authorities in Norfolk could mean rural areas get less support.

Christopher Cushing, leader of the Conservative group at NNDC, added to the criticism and complained the Government is “full of ministers that represent urban seats who have no sympathy or understanding for countryside matters”.

Lucy Shires, the authority’s portfolio holder for finance, added the Government appears to have “no understanding” of the needs of rural places like North Norfolk – but despite the challenges, the council has produced a balanced budget this year.

She said a forecast deficit of £9million in three years has greatly improved through the “hard work” of officers to find savings and ways to work more efficiently.

“We feel better about our future financially but this has been difficult,” she added.

WHAT ARE THE BUDGET PLANS for 2025?

NNDC has said it will seek to raise council tax by 2.99% for a Band D property, which equates to about a £5 annual rise.

A raft of savings have also been put forward to balance the books this year.

Cuts have included closing the tourist information centre in Cromer, staff restructuring, and one redundancy is also planned.

The council has also considered shutting several public toilets to save £40,000 a year.

However, only the temporary toilet at Weybourne car park is currently confirmed to close.

In Hickling, the toilet facility has been saved after the Norfolk Wildlife Trust agreed to take over its operation.

The future of public loos in Stalham, Walsingham and West Runton continues to be under review. There are hopes that local groups, such as parish councils, could be able to take over the running of them.

Parking fees will also increase at 30 car parks across the district.

A final decision on this year’s budget will be decided by the full council in the coming weeks.