Council agrees maximum tax hike in budget
GoogleA local authority has agreed to increase council tax by the maximum allowed without a referendum in this year's budget.
Labour-led Cumberland Council blamed funding cuts for the 4.99% hike, meaning residents will pay between £1.22 and £1.83 more a week depending on the type of property they live in.
Councillors also agreed £280m of spending on its buildings and services, while voting through the continuation of savings through its "transformation plan" for long-term financial sustainability.
Councillor Barbara Cannon, cabinet member for finances, said the authority had had to make "difficult decisions" because demand for services was rising faster than funding.
The 2026-27 budget, agreed on Tuesday, included a rise of 2.99% in core council tax and a 2% rise in the adult social care precept.
"As a council we are not alone in facing a challenging financial situation," Cannon said.
"By comparison, our council tax bills in this financial year are below the average for similar authorities."
Children's services funding
Cannon said a council tax reduction scheme was available to help reduce the bill of those on low incomes.
It was also agreed that £2m of the contingency budget would be specifically held for children's services, in response to concerns about volatility and increased demand.
Independent Councillor Robert Benton, who represents Botcherby, voted against the budget "which requires yet more borrowing" and against the rise in council tax.
He said: "These increases place a significant burden on working class families and vulnerable individuals."
"There are too many senior posts carrying excessively high salaries across directorates, executive roles, and upper middle management, he added.
Last week, Liberal Democrat-led Westmorland and Furness Council also increased council tax by 4.99% and introduced new garden waste and parking charges.