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Blackpool council tax rise and cuts warning after 'over spending'

Blackpool Council is facing a financial shortfall of £10m, prompting warnings of a potential council tax rise and service cuts. The council overspent by £3.4m in the last financial year, primarily due to increased costs in children's services, including a £1.5m overspend on children's placements. This overspend was attributed to a lack of available placements and the need for more expensive emergency accommodations. To address the deficit, the council is considering a maximum council tax increase of 4.99%, which would add approximately £60 annually to the bill of a typical Band D property. Additionally, the council plans to implement savings and efficiencies, including reducing the number of children in care through fostering and kinship care, and cutting back on non-essential services. The financial strain is compounded by rising costs in adult social care, homelessness services, and the need to support the most vulnerable residents amidst a backdrop of economic challenges.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-gb/politics/government/blackpool-council-tax-rise-and-cuts-warning-after-over-spending/ar-AA1wTcu1 ]