Darlington council tax rise and budget proposals ‘unfair’

Labour and Liberal Democrat leaders at Darlington Borough Council have warned that the authority faces a “spiralling increase” in costs and demand for key services, including children and adult social care. 

A planned council tax increase of 4.99% is among the main proposals impacting residents. 

Changes to the government’s local authority funding formula means Darlington will receive a 14 per cent spending increase over the next four years. However, the council’s financial planning remains in a “fragile position”, with forecasted cost pressures of around £27 million over the same time period. 

Town Hall officials plan to make £13.5 million worth of cuts over the four years, including £3 million in 2026/27 through back office efficiencies and energy savings. 

But Matthew Snedker, local leader of the Green Party, lamented the lack of funding that the council needs to deliver vital services and “start rebuilding a country battered by cruel austerity”. 

He told a cabinet meeting: “This is an unfair budget for the people of Darlington. We are left to take the money out of people’s pockets. This is a regressive and unfair state of affairs for us. 

“It’s deeply sad that we cannot do what we need to do for the people of Darlington because the funding isn’t there. We need a fundamental rebalancing of the economy.”

The member for College ward also warned that the proposed council tax increase would outstrip the wages of many people living in Darlington. 

“I really hope that this Labour government steps up and starts delivering the funding that we need to serve the people of Darlington better,” he added. 

Steve Harker, council leader, said the authority has been paying the price after 14 years of a Conservative government. The council’s budget was reduced by £46 million between 2010 and 2019. 

He told councillors: “When we campaigned to win the 2023 elections, we said we would tackle the £7.5m annual overspend left by the Tories. This budget does just that. It brings to an end the need to raid our reserves to balance the books. We can see an end to the Tory era of massive overspending every single year.

“We committed to making savings and efficiencies across the council. We have done that over the last two years, and that work continues.”