THE region’s largest council has delayed announcing its budget for the coming year.

Durham County Council says it now expects to be told on Monday (Feb 8) the size of its Government grant for 2016-17.

Figures from the Department of Communities and Local Government were due to be released in time for the council’s ruling cabinet to set its budget, financial plan and capital investment programme on Wednesday (Feb 10).

But the delayed announcement means the council has now called a special cabinet meeting on February 17 to discuss the financial settlement.

Cllr Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: “It’s essential we offer residents absolute clarity when we outline what money we will have to spend and explain where it will be directed - we cannot do this without final settlement figures from the Government.

“There will be no delay to the implementation, as the papers will still go before Full Council towards the end of the month, however process means we will have to hold two special meetings to make sure we adhere to our statutory duties.

“As usual all these meetings will be public.”

The Cabinet’s Budget Report will still be presented to the Full Council meeting on February 24 as scheduled.