Hyndburn political row over extra £123k in Whitehall cash

Conservative politicians Cllr Steven Smithson, and Sara Britcliffe said the additional cash was good news for the authority's residents and their services.

But former MP and Labour general election candidate Graham Jones said it was a drop in the financial ocean compared to government cash cuts since 2010.

The final settlement, announced on Monday, February 5, will see Hyndburn Council's budget boosted by 5.5 per cent - an extra £700,000 - in the next financial year 2024/25.

This sum includes an further £123,000 secured in government grants since the provisional settlement was announced last year.

The additional funding comes from the Government increasing Hyndburn’s income across its Revenue Support Grant, New Homes Bonus, Services Grant, and Funding Guarantee.

However, it comes as the Tory-run Hyndburn Council raises its council tax by two per cent, while residents will also see their Tory-controlled Lancashire County Council council tax go up by the maximum 4.99 per cent, while the Conservative Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner's precept is also going up 4.75 per cent.

This extra money comes on top of £4.8 billion from the government's Levelling Up Fund and £2.6bn from its UK Shared Prosperity Fund already allocated.

Cllr Smithson said “Since taking power just under a year ago, Conservatives in Hyndburn have been working hard to deliver the services people expect from their council.

“We have secured record investment for Hyndburn while always being conscious of our spending, knowing it is taxpayer cash.

“The increase in our funding, thanks in no small part to the efforts of our MP Sara Britcliffe, since the provisional figures were announced last year, will allow us to continue to invest in Hyndburn and the deliver the services people expect.”

Hyndburn MP, Miss Britcliffe, added: “Since I was elected in 2019 I have been working hard to put Hyndburn on the map, to reverse the mindset of managed decline that plagued my predecessors, and secure more investment and funding for our home.

“That we have secured a £123,000 increase from the provisional settlement announced last year only goes to show how important a strong local voice for Hyndburn is down in Westminster.”

Labour's Graham Jones

Labour's Graham Jones said: "Since 2010, Conservative governments have slashed Hyndburn Council funding by 65 per cent, equivalent to £4.6 million.

"As a result of this, and other cuts in income and high inflation, Hyndburn Council have cut spending by £10.8m over the last 13 years, slashing services to the public.

"Now they expect the public to thank the Tories for an increase this year. It's just another one of 'Rishi’s special deals'.

"Take £20 and give £1 back hoping the public don’t notice and fall for the government spin."