Time is running out for residents, businesses and organisations in Cumberland to contribute to the council’s budget-setting process for the coming financial year.
The council’s consultation on its annual budget, which began earlier this month and runs until Monday, 6 January, invites local people and organisations to give their views on the council’s priorities and budget plans.
One of the budget proposals for the 2025/26 financial year is to change Cumberland Council’s share of council tax. Council tax makes up around half of the council’s net budget and among the plans being considered is to increase this by 4.99 per cent, made up of a 2.99 per cent increase generally, with a further two per cent rise for the adult social care levy. If approved, this would add £90.66 a year for a typical band D property, or £1.74 a week.
To help residents on low incomes the council will continue to provide the council tax reduction scheme, which remains one of the most generous in the country and helps reduce the bill for those most in need. This can mean some residents who qualify not having to pay any council tax.
The council’s annual net revenue budget – the money needed for day-to-day service delivery such as energy, staff and keeping buildings open – is around £330 million. The pressure on this budget is ever increasing with rising demand for many services – in particular adult social care and children’s services – combined with a higher cost of delivery.
The authority is taking action to deliver better services more sustainably through its transformation programme and while progress has been made since Cumberland Council was formed in April 2023, work continues to realise the potential savings these projects will bring.
Councillor Barbara Cannon, Executive Member for Financial Planning and Assets, said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has taken part in the consultation so far. We’re busy preparing our budget for the next financial year and welcome the views of residents, as well as representatives from local businesses and organisations, to help us shape those plans.
“It’s no secret that council budgets are tight due to the increased demand for services and the rising cost of providing them, particularly in the care and support we offer for vulnerable adults and children, but we’re working hard on delivering a balanced budget that meets the objectives of the 2023-2027 Council Plan, which puts improving the health and wellbeing of residents at the heart of everything.”
Views can be given in two ways; by filling in the more traditional survey and using a new interactive online tool which allows participants to prioritise the council services most important to them.
To access the consultation, go to consult.cumberland.gov.uk/. Hard copies will also be made available at our offices and libraries.
