CUMBRIAN councils are divided on the future of local government in the county.
A consultation has been launched on proposals that would see significant changes to the way local authorities operate in Cumbria.
In October, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick invited councils in Cumbria to submit proposals for moving to a unitary authority.
Cumbria's seven councils returned with four proposals. Cumbria County Council's plan would see a single unitary authority encompassing the entire county.
Under a unitary authority, a single tier of local government is responsible delivering all of the local government services for the area.
Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council, said: "At long last the Cumbrian people and its many organisations, partners and businesses have been offered the opportunity to influence and shape the future of local government in our county.
"Removing layers of unnecessary bureaucracy and streamlining seven councils makes more sense to our residents and communities.
"I can only hope that despite everything else that is going on at the moment, that people try and make the time to make their views and opinions known so that any final decision by government can be informed by what people want locally.”
However, the other three proposals suggest splitting the county into two unitary authorities.
Carlisle City Council and Eden District Council hope to form two new authorities along with a Cumbrian mayor, with Eden, Carlisle and Allerdale Councils in the north and Copeland, Barrow and South Lakeland Councils in the south.
The new Leader of Carlisle City Council John Mallinson:22 May 2019.Stuart Walker.
Leader of Carlisle City Council, Coun. John Mallinson, said: “We want a positive future for Carlisle, this will be best achieved by this new model for local government in Cumbria. We urge local residents, businesses and partners to consider our proposal and give their views.
“We believe that the North and South unitary model for Cumbria is the best option for our residents, businesses and the wider region. It would result in effective and convenient local government with a strong sense of place. It’s the best way forward for Carlisle and Cumbria.
“Local government reorganisation is a golden opportunity we need to seize.”
Meanwhile Copeland and Allerdale Councils have called for two unitary authorities split on an east/west divide. Residents can have their say on the plans at consult.communities.gov.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here