West Northamptonshire taxpayers 'paying the price' as council calls for Government debt write-off
West Northamptonshire Council has formally asked the Government to write off debts inherited from its predecessor authorities, arguing that local taxpayers should receive the same treatment as residents in Surrey.
Council leader Mark Arnull has written to Secretary of State Angela Rayner requesting an immediate review of the historic liabilities transferred to Northamptonshire's two unitary authorities when they were established in 2021.
Neither West Northamptonshire Council nor North Northamptonshire Council received debt forgiveness or comparable financial assistance during local government reorganisation.
The move follows a decision at last month's full council meeting, where councillors from across the political parties supported pursuing debt relief.
Members also agreed to seek backing from local MPs, work with local government partners and consider independent legal advice over the consistent treatment of councils.
West Northamptonshire Council argues that recent Government intervention to provide historic debt relief to authorities in Surrey has established a precedent that should also apply to Northamptonshire.
Councillor Arnull said: "Our residents have been paying the price for shouldering the debts of the old councils for far too long. We’re asking the Government to apply the same principle to Northamptonshire that it is now applying in Surrey.
"We are not asking for preferential treatment, only parity for our residents. This is about fairness, consistency and ensuring our taxpayers are not left carrying a burden that should have been addressed years ago. Our residents should not be held back by financial difficulties that arose before their current councils even existed."
The council says money currently spent servicing inherited debts could instead support improvements to roads, services for vulnerable residents, economic development and local communities.
It maintains that absorbing substantial historic liabilities without additional Government assistance makes achieving long-term financial sustainability more difficult.
Since its formation, the authority says it has concentrated on stabilising its finances while continuing to provide services for residents and businesses.
Councillor Arnull added: "It’s clear that many councillors agree that that seeking historic debt forgiveness from the Government is in the best interests of all our communities and we will work together with our local MPs to make the strongest case possible."
The council is now seeking a Government response to its request for debt relief.