Christmas lights could fall victim to budget cuts

Christmas decorations and other events could be cut by Hartlepool Borough Council

A town could see its Christmas lights switch-on cancelled as its council looks to cut several million pounds.

Fireworks displays, car parking offers and festive trees in Seaton Carew and the Headland, near Hartlepool on Teesside, could all be scrapped as part of budget proposals.

Labour-run Hartlepool Borough Council has drawn up a £2.954m savings plans to help tackle its estimated £13.1m deficit forecast for 2025/26.

It comes amid a number of challenges facing local authorities including the rising cost of children's social care, inflation and staff pay awards.

The potential cuts have been discussed by committees over the last week ahead of decisions set to be made in the new year when the council's funding settlement from government will be known, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Not against events'

Council officers state cutting the events budget completely - including all Christmas events - would save £75,000, although if the fireworks display was retained this would reduce to £40,000.

Another proposal includes ending Christmas tree provision in Seaton Carew and the Headland, leaving only one in the town centre.

Another proposal involves removing the authority's car parking promotions including free parking on Sundays at town centre sites and free parking every Saturday in December at some car parks.

Labour councillor Pamela Hargeaves said the authority was "not against events" and it wanted to work with partners to bring in income to fund them where possible.

She said the cuts suggested included items no councillor "would willingly want to put their hand up for" but they "have to try and balance the budget" and minimise the use of reserves.

A council spokesperson said: "The council is currently considering a range of savings proposals, in order to set a balanced budget for 2025/26.

"Approximately half of these proposals relate to back office or corporate functions.

"Budget decisions will be made in February once the outcome of the Local Government Finance Settlement is known."