Copeland Council has launched a consultation into next year’s budget – and wants the public’s views.
The council must save funds in 2022/23, due largely to the reduction in central Government grants and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is prioritising the delivery of its statutory commitments while increasingly using income and grants to run its discretionary services.
As part of a number of questions included in the consultation document, launched today, residents are being asked what they think of the council’s plan to review fees and charges and a proposed 1.95 per cent increase in council tax, which is less than the rate of inflation.
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “We are working incredibly hard to maintain services amidst ever decreasing budgets and a global pandemic which has had a significant effect on financial resources.
“It’s worth reminding people that we only keep around 11 per cent of the council tax you pay, which is an average of £4.12 per week, for all the services we provide.
“For the seventh consecutive budget, we are not proposing any cuts to frontline services. But the reality is that we do have to save money and are looking at ways that this could be achieved.
“We want to hear our residents’ views on how we spend their money, and I’d urge everyone to respond to our consultation.”
The consultation runs until Wednesday, January 5. The document is available at www.copeland.gov.uk, where residents can complete an online questionnaire. Residents can also request a hard copy of this document by email at communications@copeland.gov.uk or by calling 01946 598300.
