South Holland District Council leader reassures area that finances can weather the storm

Council finances are in a good position to face the challenges ahead, according to the leader.

South Holland District Council leader Nick Worth wanted to reassure the public that the authority is in a good position, despite facing challenges with rising costs for fuel and power.

Earlier this year, the cabinet discussed a projected £353,000 budget overspend for 2023/24 financial year due to a spike in homelessness and rising costs.

Speaking at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Coun Worth said: “Internal Drainage Boards are a substantial challenge for us. Although we have got money from the Government it was not sufficient to offset the full impact on this year’s budget or last year’s budget.

“I should stress we do have a very solid revenue and good cash balance. We are in a good position to manage the challenges we have short and medium term.”

He made the comments while discussing the Local Government Association peer review of the council in the summer.

Coun Worth said that the deficit is projected to be £842,000 and not £1million, as stated in the report.

The cabinet also agreed to write-off £46,819.92 of debt to the authority.

Members were told the council had tried to recover the debts in question.

Of the written off debt, ‘deceased’ was the reason for £4,240.30 housing benefit overpayment while ‘insolvency’ was given for £2,582.45 council tax debt and £39,997.17 for business rates.