Grimsby Town Hall - where the glum tidings are due to be discussed next week
RED lights are flashing on North East Lincolnshire Council's finances.
At the mid-point of the current 2021-22 financial year, the authority is on course for a £4.3-million overspend against its budget.
Says a report to be discussed at next week's meeting of NELC's cabinet: "The forecast reflects the on-going impact of CV19 and the subsequent risks and demands being experienced."
The particular pressure - as in most years - are the ballooning costs of caring for children from troubled backgrounds.
But collecting council tax is another pinch-point, with some £6-million said to be unpaid.
The document continues: "We are continuing to work with services to manage and mitigate demand and workforce pressures, but the financial position is becoming increasingly acute."
Despite the jangling alarm bells, no one is poised to press the panic button.
If housing growth continues, more council tax receipts will cascade into the authority's coffers.
Major regeneration projects within the town centre and the South Humber Bank should also prove beneficial.
"The pace of delivery is critical," says the report.
Fortunately, NELC has substantial reserves - so called "rainy-day money" - but dipping into them would probably be regarded as a last resort.
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