THE FINAL budget of a Cumbrian district council has been revealed this week, it includes the "sprucing up" of services and no tax increase for residents.

Eden District Council's budget for the 2022/2023 financial year is set to be approved by the cabinet on January 18.

If the draft budget is approved by executive members next week it will then need to be approved by the full council.

And due to a pleasing financial position, it includes spending on improving services as well as Eden's culture offering for residents without raising council tax.

Cllr Virginia Taylor said: "The Government expects you to put it up every year. The amount that the Government expects us to put it up it actually works at 10 pence a week (per person).

"It's the last year of Eden District Council, we don't need to increase the tax."

Eden Council will cease to exist from March 2023 when two new councils take over for the east and west of the county.

Cllr Taylor said: "From an accountant's point of view they all say 'why wouldn't you put it up if it's only 10 pence a week?' but we don't need that money now and in the future, the new unitary is going to have to harmonise council tax across the (east Cumbria) footprint."

Cllr Taylor said that the council brings no financial burden to Westmorland and Furness Council which it will form with South Lakeland District Council and Barrow Borough Council.

"We're going to be able to pass on healthy finances to the new unitary. We're in good shape financially, I don't fell at all that we're doing anything untoward, irresponsible to the new unitary. We've got a dowry to give to the new unitary."

The council's next budget will include investment in play areas, funding for events marking the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and improvements in the planning process.

The leader said: "We've got considerable investment in the planning, we were criticised for it but we were already on the case and investing the best part of half a million."

Council bosses will look to make the most of the district's arts and culture offering with the new budget.

Cllr Taylor acknowledged the need for a strong night time economy, arts activities and festivals.

"We already well into a project with a group called We Are Team who are arts developers."

The public will be given a chance to have their say on the 2022/2023 draft budget if the council's cabinet approve it next week.