Like many organisations, the council has faced an unprecedented year with the coronavirus pandemic increasing demand on its services as well as having an impact on its income. Whilst the government has provided extra funding, uncertainty remains as to how the pandemic will continue to affect the council’s finances into the next financial year. 

Therefore, the council is taking a prudent approach to its budget setting for next year, to ensure that it can continue to provide its services, as well as help local residents, businesses and community organisations affected by the pandemic. 

Before the global pandemic struck, the council was already facing ongoing reductions in funding from central government which has fallen from £4.8m in 2013 to around £200,000 in 2021/22. It is facing a predicted funding gap of around £2.4m over the next three years. To cover this shortfall the council has developed plans to boost economic growth, make services more efficient, make savings, and generate more income such as through investments. 

The consultation asks people for their views on this approach taken by the council and how they feel about things such as charges, making more use of online services, using land to generate more income, and investing in commercial opportunities. 

The consultation also asks about Council Tax rates. Less than 10% of the average band D Council Tax bill, or around £174 a year, goes towards services provided by the council. However, it accounts for 28% of the council’s income. 

Therefore, in order to continue to provide its current level of service the council is proposing an annual increase of £5 on its portion of the Council Tax bill for a band D property which would mean a weekly increase of about 10p. Other increases will be proportionate according to the property’s banding with a bill for a band A property seeing a £3.33 increase, equivalent to 6p a week. 

Cllr Jim Lister, Executive Member with responsibility for finance, said:

“I’d encourage everyone to have their say on our budget proposals. This past year has presented incredible challenges to the council as well as to the communities we serve. I’ve been immensely proud of the way we have responded to the pandemic, as well as managed to maintain such a good level of service to the people of Allerdale. 

“Our budget for next year is being developed to continue that path. No-one takes the decision to increase taxation lightly, however small an increase. And we do recognise that there are some residents who are struggling and so I urge them to contact the council and ask about the Council Tax support schemes which are available. However, this proposed increase in Council Tax, will help to maintain our services at a time when our communities need them most.” 

The full budget consultation and links to the consultation questions, can be found on the council’s website at: https://cumbria.citizenspace.com/allerdale-borough-council/budget-2021-22-consultation/. The consultation ends at 5pm on 15 January 2021.  

Hard copies of the consultation can be requested by emailing policy@allerdale.gov.uk. Anyone without access to the internet can request a copy of the survey by ringing 0303 123 1702 and speaking to a customer service advisor.