Updated budget proposals published as Council awaits government decision
Last updated 21st Feb 2024
Middlesbrough Council has published updated budget proposals for 2024/25 as it waits for news on its application for support from government.
Following the largest public consultation in five years, the Council is setting out savings and income generation plans totalling £13.9m for the next financial year, rising to £21m in 2026/27.
Mayor Chris Cooke and his Executive have made changes to a small number of proposals following the consultation – including withdrawing plans to introduce parking charges at Stewart Park.
A decision on the long-term future of the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum will also be deferred so more consideration can be given to options that have emerged during the consultation. The museum will reopen for its new season in April.
The Council’s shortfall after the savings proposals are taken into account has reduced to £4.7m as a result of an extra £1.6m government funding for social care.
The museum will open as normal in April as further work continues.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “Since being elected last May, I have made tough decisions to get a grip on the Council’s finances and build an organisation better equipped to deliver the high quality services the people of Middlesbrough deserve.
“But the strength of public opinion on the proposed closure of the museum, and potential car parking charges at Stewart Park, made it clear that we needed to reconsider.
“I want to thank members of the Captain Cook Birthplace Trust and Ward Councillors for their hard work in trying to find a solution, and I’m delighted we’re now in a position to reopen the museum in April.
“I’d urge the people of Middlesbrough to support the venue as we continue to work to secure its future.”
Martin Peagam, Chair of the Captain Cook Birthplace Trust, said: “The Trust recognises the importance of the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, a view which is shared by many people both locally and across the globe.
“We’ve always been clear that it is vital to safeguard the museum for future generations.
“The Trust is very pleased to work with the Mayor and Middlesbrough Council to secure its future and I wish to thank everyone who has expressed support, both locally and internationally.”
Middlesbrough Council’s 2024/25 budget is set to be agreed by members of the Executive on February 28, before it is voted upon by the full council at a special meeting on March 8.
It includes savings of around £14m, while the Council is awaiting confirmation from the Government that an application for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) has been successful.
EFS allows the council to access short-term borrowing to cover a budget shortfall of around £4.7m.
Other savings that remain in the budget include a switch to fortnightly refuse collection, while a £40 charge will be introduced for green waste collection