Scarborough Town Council's 2026/27 budget has come in for criticism as it allocates £70,000 for Christmas lights while simultaneously slashing community grants by 62 per cent. But would all that cash be needed and will it bring other benefits?
The budget, passed by the Reform-led authority during a full council meeting on 21 January, has highlighted a sharp divide between the council’s leadership and its critics,. While the administration celebrated a one per cent reduction in the council tax precept—a move intended to offer relief during the cost-of-living crisis— some opposition members have questioned the "human cost" of prioritising festive illuminations over local support groups,.
Labour Councillor Chris Clark has been a vocal critic of the spending priorities, arguing that the £70,000 figure is excessive when compared to similar locations. He expressed concern that the funding cut for local organisations, which fell from £50,000 to £19,000, represents a choice of "lights over lives".
In a statement regarding the financial plans, Councillor Clark said:
"£70,000 for Christmas lights, whilst community grants suffer 62% cut from £50,000 down to 19,000.
Community groups deliver lasting local support, 52 weeks a year for all the people they make a difference to. Yet, reform chooses lights over lives.
Across the UK, similar sized towns to Scarborough spend £18,000 on their Christmas lights, often supported by business sponsors. Reform's £70,000 is indefensible excess.
A working group now looks at finding a sensible level. Let us hope they return with a figure not one penny over £18,000 with a community budget fully restored."
A shift in financial responsibility comes into play this year as North Yorkshire Council prepares to stop funding Scarborough's festive displays, bringing the town into line with Whitby and Filey, where local town councils already pay for their own illuminations. Historically, hiring lights in Scarborough has cost approximately £53,000.
Independent Councillor Janet Jefferson, who also serves as President of the Scarborough and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, defended the need for a robust budget while seeking more sustainable long-term solutions,.
Councillor Jefferson explained the council’s position:
"If we don't put a budget for Christmas lights, the town won't get one. We're trying as a council to put a bid into the high street fund of the Mayoral authority. It could be that we do quite well and we won't need as much. But I think you've got to be prepared.
We don't just want the lights to be on for 8 weeks of the year. We want lights that can be lit up parts of the year where projects take place. That will cut down on storage.
We're also going to try and buy the lights. In the previous years, as a council, it's cost £53,000 to hire. And I think we need to look out of the box. We need to modernize the system. We want to look at ideas that light the town all the year round and welcoming for our residents as well as visitors."
The Reform group has maintained that the budget is a "planned and responsible approach". Councillor William Stuart argued that the reduction in grants is contextually misleading, as the previous year's £50,000 was a "deliberate front-loaded investment" to stimulate activity in the council's first year. He pointed out that over a two-year period, the council is investing £69,000 in grants, which he claims makes Scarborough one of the strongest performers in North Yorkshire.
However, other members of the council remain unconvinced. Independent Councillor Rich Maw accused the authority of "hoarding cash," noting that reserves have grown to nearly £192,000 while "vital grants continue to be cut".
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