A row has broken out at a Norfolk council after its leaders claimed the local authority could soon run out of money if action isn't taken.
Terry Parish of West Norfolk Council faced a grilling at an extraordinary meeting this week in which a Tory councillor rebuked his claim that the authority was in financial difficulty following the actions of the last administration.
Judith Collingham, of Dersingham Ward, lashed out in defence of the previous Conservative-led council, arguing the now-ruling Independent group was benefiting from its handling of its budget.
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It follows a letter from Mr Parish to Hunstanton Town Council, in which Ms Collingham said he claimed the council was in "real financial difficulty" despite finance reports stating otherwise.
She said: "Who is right, you or the combined weight of all the published finance reports and statements from officers?
"You inherited a fully funded budget for the next three years along with a windfall in reserves of £1.8m and a further £3m for delivering capital schemes - a budget used for projects that have been highlighted as good news by this council.
"Why are you regularly claiming that all of the above is a myth?"
The disagreement comes amid fears major projects could be delayed due to funding issues and a lack of resources.
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Mr Parish clarified his position, arguing the council "spends more than we earn" and fears that by 2025 its pot of £9.25m could dwindle to the minimum amount of £1.39m if saving decisions were not made.
He said: "I don't recall ever saying we are in great financial difficulty.
"If we keep using reserves to top up spending then like anybody's bank account, it will go down to as low as it can go.
"This is why I've said we need to be careful about what we spend.
"We will be looking to make savings where we can and increase revenue where possible so the next administration can't turn around and say, 'where has the money gone?'"
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