Council plans digital and EV spending in budget

More than £2.5m has been earmarked for electric vehicle charging infrastructure

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".

'Quite an achievement'

Jason Smithers said the upcoming budget will provide "high quality universal services" while "protecting those that are the most vulnerable"

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.