Council finances remain stable despite funding cuts and rising costs

North Lincolnshire Council has reported a strong mid-year financial position, achieved through careful planning and a continued focus on value for money for local taxpayers.

Despite significant challenges – including reductions in national funding and increased staffing costs following the latest budget – the council has kept borrowing low, delivered better-than-expected investment returns, and ensured every financial decision supports frontline services.

Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham said the results, detailed in a Treasury Management Report approved at Full Council, show North Lincolnshire is being run with “discipline and common sense.”

Cllr Waltham said: “Residents want to know their council is steady and responsible, especially when public services everywhere are under pressure. These results show that, even with cuts to funding and rising costs, we are managing taxpayers’ money carefully and planning for the long term.

“Our priorities remain clear – supporting young people, adults with complex needs, and older people. We will continue to protect the services that matter most.”

The mid-year report confirms that the council has:

• Kept borrowing below expected levels, avoiding the pressures many councils now face.
• Delivered strong investment returns, bringing in extra income to support services.
• Stayed within all national financial rules, demonstrating tight control and sound judgement.
• Maintained a healthy cash position, ensuring bills are paid and services continue to run smoothly.

Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for sustainability and transformation, added: “Every pound we spend belongs to local taxpayers, so we treat it with absolute care. These results aren’t an accident – they’re the product of good housekeeping and solid financial management, even in the face of funding cuts and rising costs.”

Despite these challenges, North Lincolnshire continues to deliver more than many other councils, including:

• Free brown bins for garden waste when others charge.
• Enhanced pensioner travel concessions.
• Support for families with free swimming sessions at Easter and in the Summer and the Imagination Library for early years reading.
• Government-funded air fryer scheme for older residents, helping them stay independent and avoid unnecessary care costs.
• Planted hundreds of thousands of trees to help the environment and introduced a simpler recycling scheme to support local residents.

The report also highlights that the council is well-prepared for the months ahead, with plans in place to manage inflation, support major projects, and continue protecting essential services.

Cllr Waltham added: “Residents want stability and confidence that their council is protecting their money. These results show we’re doing exactly that – steady hands at a time when it matters most.”