On-street parking could be reconsidered by Cumbria County Council as the authority looks for ways to generate income.

A proposal three years ago to introduce charging for motorists who park on the roadside within a range of locations across the county proved a controversial move.

It was eventually thrown out after legal mistakes in the way the authority had advertised the process were highlighted by an eagle-eyed resident.

Now, the unpopular measure could be on the cards once more, CCC's opposition Conservative party leader Councillor James Airey has claimed.

Coun Airey said: "On-street parking will make an appearance under the new administration.

"There are plans to bring this back in.

"But we will have every member at every meeting and we will fight them all the way on proposals like this."

Cumbria County Council ended the 2016/17 financial year more than half a million pounds over budget.


James Airey The authority's annual statement of accounts, which must be published before June 30, will reveal the authority overspend on its children's and adult services departments by a total of £13m while its wage bill for senior staff rose by £91,000.

Net liabilities on CCC's Local Government Pension Scheme also increased by £267m last year to a total of £837m.

The authority is now attempting to find extra ways to cut its costs as it faces further reductions to its annual grant from the government.

But Coun Ian Stewart, the council's Liberal Democrat group leader, denied any serious consideration was being given to the introduction of on-street parking for Cumbria.

"On-street parking charges are something that exist in most other parts of the country.

"When a new administration comes in, this is something (council) officers will always bring forward as an opportunity to raise money given the large government cuts to the council's budget.

"But according to the prime minister, austerity is over, the squeeze on public services will stop."