The North East Lincolnshire full council meeting was tense, with Labour councillors, led by Kath Wheatley, slamming the council for a £7m overspend in its budget. This financial misstep, disclosed just 12 weeks into the new financial year, has serious implications, putting council jobs and vital services at risk and likely leading to higher council tax for already strained families.

Tory councillors, however, responded with deflective dismissals, labelling the overspend as merely ‘disappointing’ but offering no clear recovery plans. The majority sidestepped responsibility, blaming others for the fiscal shortfall.

The East Marsh Liberal Democrats sided with the Tories.

Councillor Paul Henderson supported Labour’s concerns, while Independents Steve Holland and Lynsey Downes abstained from voting.

The situation left pressing questions unanswered but Labour will remain steadfast in our support for services, jobs and communities