A NATIONAL Park has stated it is 'being starved of oxygen' and will have to make 'tough decisions' around its future in its efforts to stay afloat.
Northumberland National Park Authority has said it may have to 'stop whole areas of work' due to dramatically decreased government funding.
Tony Gates, chief executive officer at Northumberland National Park Authority, said: "Northumberland National Park Authority's funding has decreased dramatically since 2010, with the Authority losing 40 per cent of its funding budget between 2010 and 2016.
"The Government grant to Northumberland National Park has in addition been frozen since 2019 and will remain so until 2025, despite the cost-of-living crisis and inflation. This will result in a real terms cut in government funding of 56 per cent from 2010 and means we will need to make savings of at least £600,000 by 2025.
"All National Parks' finances are challenged right now, but none more so than Northumberland's. Northumberland National Park is the closest to the cliff edge because it receives the least from Government. The Authority receives a grant of £2.6 million a year from a national budget of £49 million for the 10 National Parks in England.
"We're using our reserves to meet running costs and we generate our own income where we can, increasing our earned income fourfold since 2021. Despite this, tough decisions will need to be made around our future. We need to look at every aspect of work the National Park undertakes. We may have to completely stop whole areas of work, this is not about simply looking for efficiencies anymore or trying to grow more income. We have to consider everything.
"The real sadness in all of this is that it comes during a time when we have a health crisis, a climate crisis, and a decline in nature across the world. Access to nature and the outdoors is of the utmost importance; National Parks could and should be stepping up to help society deal with some of its biggest challenges. Instead, Northumberland National Park Authority is being cut down and starved of the oxygen we need.
Mr Gates added: "I want to see a sustainable level of core funding for all National Park authorities. For Northumberland, however I want to see us treated fairly."
READ MORE: 'It was a great night' Hexham Mayor hails second lantern parade a success
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here