The council needs to make additional savings of £2.2m over the next three years having already made £7.8m of savings over the last six years. Since 2010 central Government funding to local authorities has fallen significantly and the next few years will see continued pressure on the council’s finances.

Now in the process of setting its budget for 2020/21, the council is asking for residents’ views on the approach it is taking to help it make these important decisions.

Among the options being considered is an increase in Allerdale Borough Council’s portion of council tax by one per cent, which equates to a £1.73 a year rise (about 3p per week) for a Band D property.

Cllr Marion Fitzgerald, Leader of the Council said:

“The simple fact is that as the income we receive from central government reduces we either need to reduce our spending or find new sources of income.

“We are determined to do the very best we can for communities we serve and be a financially sustainable organisation. To do this we need to find ways to make the money we have work better through innovation, seeking new ways of working through technology and collaboration, and finding ways to increase our income.

“Our aim is to be as efficient as possible whilst maintaining a level of service that our customers and partners expect.”

The savings the council has already made over the last six years have been achieved through streamlining services and processes, improving the use of technology, reducing back office and management costs, and seeking new commercial opportunities, but more still needs to be done.

The results of the consultation will inform the council's revenue budget proposals for next year which will be considered by the Executive in February and the full council in March.

• Residents, businesses and partners can have their say on the proposals by taking part in our consultation through this link: https://www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/consultation/. Anyone who needs support in completing the survey, or would like a paper copy of the survey can contact the council on 0303 123 1702 or email policy@allerdale.gov.uk.