Norfolk council facing overspend due to fuel prices

South Norfolk Council fears it will be left with a costly bill to fill up its waste vehicles if the prices remain at current levels.

Officials say the authority may have to dip into its reserves – money built up in the council’s coffers – to cover the costs.

Fuel prices are at their highest since the outbreak of the Iran war (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

Surging oil prices at the outbreak of the Iran war prompted a rise in costs for petrol and diesel, and they have remained high.

The RAC revealed last week the average cost of unleaded is at its highest since the start of the conflict.

Norfolk County Council has also warned it could be left with a “significant hole” in its budget next year if the expensive costs continue.

Council bosses told a meeting in March the change in prices could affect how it gets children to and from school.