Lancashire Council Defends Debt Amid Farage Bankruptcy Claims

The deputy leader of Lancashire County Council, Alan Vincent, has defended the authority's debt levels following claims by Nigel Farage that the council is on the verge of bankruptcy. Farage, during a campaign visit, alleged that the council was incurring costs of £135,000 daily to service its debt, a figure later clarified as approximately £100,000. Vincent countered these claims, stating that the council's debt, which amounts to less than £1,000 per resident, is manageable and is used to fund essential projects, including schools and care homes. He emphasized that the council's finances are sound, with £250 million in reserves and £3.5 billion in assets. Vincent criticized Farage's understanding of local government issues, urging the public to consider whether Reform UK is fit to govern. The upcoming local elections have intensified scrutiny over the council's financial management under eight years of Conservative leadership.