Newcastle Borough Council is changing its funding rules, sparking concerns. The new approach could leave some parish councils struggling to meet community needs.

Newcastle: The local parish councils are in a bit of a scramble. They’re calling it a ‘hunger games’ situation over funding. The council had a £30,000-a-year cashpot to help families with council tax. But guess what? Most of that money has been going to just three councils. The rest are left with crumbs, like less than £300 a year.
Now, Newcastle Borough Council is shaking things up. They’re giving each councillor a £500 budget and opening it up to community groups. This means some councils, like Kidsgrove, could lose a big chunk of cash. That’s a hit of £13,000 for them!
At a recent meeting, Councillor Mike Stubbs voiced his concerns. He said it’s going to be a real battle for funds now that community groups can also apply. He worries this will just shift the financial burden onto taxpayers in those areas.
He pointed out that the money has to come from somewhere. If it’s taken away, they’ll need to find ways to replace it. That could mean higher costs for residents. It’s a tough spot for everyone involved.
The council’s proposed budget for 2025/26 includes this cashpot change. Councillor Stephen Sweeney, who’s in charge of finance, explained the new plan. He believes it will empower communities to take action and improve their areas.
He mentioned that this new fund is flexible and aims to support local projects. It’s all about making the borough cleaner, friendlier, and safer. The idea is to consult with ward members as groups come up with their plans.
It’s a big shift, and everyone’s watching closely to see how it plays out.