After 10 years of effectively dismantling local authorities with the worst austerity cuts seen in living memory, national government is realising it needs local authorities to get work done on the ground.

Like other local authorities, Northumberland County Council receives daily demands from national government about issues as varied as providing information to local people about lockdown to testing, school closures and re-openings and protecting our most vulnerable people.

Much like the NHS which the government has cut and cut, national government has suddenly realised it needs local authorities because they enhance people’s lives and provide vital services which people need.

Over the last 10 years local authorities have been deliberately starved of resources, resulting in job loss, plunging people into poverty and offering far fewer opportunities for everyone, but particularity young people, to grow and thrive. It is truly shameful.

Strangely, the political leaders of our Tory-led council are nowhere to be seen, but these almost impossible tasks are being carried out by the dedicated and talented officers of the council who are doing brilliant work, despite enduring years of frankly disgraceful treatment from the national government. I want to place on record mine and the Labour group’s thanks for their efforts which have been nothing less than magnificent.

I also want to pay tribute to local Labour councillors who have led the way in supporting local people during this terrible chapter in our history.

“Residents and businesses have turned to the local authority for support and guidance and officers and councillors have stepped up to the plate, working in the most challenging of circumstances. We need to ensure that they are not betrayed when this is over and that they are given the resources they need to do their jobs and the status and financial recognition they deserve.”