The potential downscaling of Scunthorpe’s steelworks could cause North Lincolnshire Council to lose millions in business rates yearly, sparking serious concerns among local councillors. British Steel, which operates the site, is in consultations with unions and workers regarding the closure of its blast furnaces, reduction of its steelmaking operations and trimming the capacity of its rolling mill at Scunthorpe, putting up to 2,700 jobs directly at risk. The move comes after Jingye, the plant’s owners, declined a government support package for its transition to greener steelmaking. The council held a special meeting where councillors unanimously backed calls for nationalisation if necessary, reflecting on the steelworks’ personal and economic significance to North Lincolnshire. There are fears regarding the knock-on impacts on the local economy, including a potential £10m reduction in business rates and up to 2,000 acres of contaminated land to address if the steelworks close. However, despite these challenges, many councillors remain hopeful for a resolution and continue to advocate for the significance of the steel industry in the region.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
