North Yorkshire Council halves funds managed by councilors, impacting local community groups in 2025/26 budget.
Some councilors opposed this funding decrease. They said community groups will suffer as a result. Charities and town councils may face hardship. Voluntary organizations could also be affected. This decision links to the 2025/26 council budget. The budget includes a council tax increase of 4.99%.
One councilor called the cuts “backwards and cruel.” He believes it hurts all North Yorkshire communities. Another councilor said the budget is a “godsend”. He sees deprivation where he lives. One councilor likened the cut to past unpopular policies. Another said residents will truly “feel the pain”.
Before 2023, communities got more grant money. They got funds from both county and district councilors. Now, they get less overall. Some grants helped town councils provide services. The council no longer offers these services directly.
One councilor defended the funding reduction. He mentioned past spending choices as examples. Taxpayers may find some expenses odd, he stated. He cited binoculars, wool, and a circus as past uses. Pilates classes and trips also received funds. There were even trips to London and Canada.
He showed a photo of a football team’s new kit. The kit displayed a councilor’s name and “Locality Budget.” The councilor also held a “Vote” sign. That councilor later said he paid himself. Another councilor supported the cut. She said they must be careful with money. They can still do good with £5,000.