Northumberland councillors criticize government funding cuts

Councillors in Northumberland are accusing the government of cutting funds for rural services. The rural services delivery grant, previously worth £3.5 million, has been repurposed, leading to claims of inadequate support for sparsely populated areas. Labour MP Liz Twist argues that local government funding has increased by £5 billion this year. She defends the government's actions, stating they recognize the pressures on local councils and are working towards longer-term funding solutions. Many councils in the North East have announced council tax increases, with some raising rates by nearly 5%. Councillors express concerns that the funding provided is insufficient to meet local needs, leading to potential future cuts.