A PUBLIC consultation launched to find out how to cut spending across Cumbria by millions of pounds has prompted 139 responses – the equivalent of just 0.03 per cent of all residents in the county.
A draft budget set by Cumbria County Council chiefs in November also proposes an increase in council tax of 3.99 per cent for the 2018/19 year, a hike of around £51 for households in Band D properties.
But the vital consultation on the stark cuts, which total a massive £27 million, had drawn 139 responses by the closing date of January 8, officials for the authority have confirmed.
Councillor James Airey, leader of the Conservative group on CCC, said the low response rate meant the consultation had failed.
“However I’m not surprised its so very low, because there is so little information about where those cuts are.
“If I don’t know where the money is coming from then how can members of the public?”
In November, CN Group revealed those in charge at CCC were scrambling to find ways to slash its annual spending by the deadline required to launch the public consultation on the issue.
The cash-starved authority has already been forced to save £214 million during eight years of austerity.
A further £61m is still to be trimmed by 2021.
The task of balancing the books for the year was described as ‘very, very difficult’ by deputy leader Councillor Ian Stewart, the man in charge of finance.
Fire stations and libraries would remain open, he pledged, but areas of highest spending – such as complex packages of care for older adults, as well as the use of agency foster care places – would have to be brought down.
In addition, council tax is set to be increased by 1.99 per cent on top of a two per cent increase to help cover the soaring bill for care of the elderly.
If approved, this will net an additional £8 million towards the council’s deficit.
Cllr Stewart said: “Those responses to the consultation were very welcome and I would thank everyone who took part for them. What’s great is that some were quite extensive. They were really helpful. There wasn’t anything significantly new but we would have been surprised if there had been.”
Cllr Stewart added: “Unfortunately, I think the majority of people understand the need to increase council tax. The squeeze on council funding remains, but we are getting closer and closer to where we need to be by the end of the year.”
Cllr Janet Willis, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat group on CCC, added the number of responses to the budget was in line with expectations. It’s disappointing, but people don’t tend to get involved unless it affects them personally and this year, the savings don’t really affect front line services.”
After the document was published, councils across the country were offered the chance to increase council tax by an extra one per cent but this will not be imposed in Cumbria this year.
The draft budget is now set to be finalised and presented to CCC’s cabinet committee for approval on February 1 before being ratified at full council on 15.
Article originally appeared on North West Mail
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