Council plans digital and EV spending in budget

A council is proposing investment of more than £180m across a number of sectors over the next four years including digital and electric vehicle infrastructure.

In its upcoming budget, North Northamptonshire council plan to invest £43.6m on highways, £36.6m for housing, £27.9m for schools, £8.1m for disability facilities, £8.2m for digital infrastructure, and £2.6m for electric vehicle infrastructure.

A report to be discussed on 19 December will propose a £400m budget for 2025-26 as well as outlining the medium-term financial plan for the following three years.

Jason Smithers, leader of the authority, described the budget as "prudent".

In addition to the £180m investment, the council has committed £51m to bolster essential services.

This includes £29.2m for adult social care and £6.2m for children's services, addressing increasing demand for these vital services.

In line with government allowances, the council is proposing a 4.99% council tax increase, including 2% earmarked for adult social care.

This rise would generate an estimated £11m million annually, the council said.

The draft budget will be opened for public consultation from 19 December to 24 January 2025.

Following the consultation, the council will meet on 6 February 2025 to finalise the proposals before presenting them to full council on 20 February 2025.

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