RESIDENTS of Cumberland are having their say on the council's proposed budget for the next financial year, which includes a council tax hike of nearly three per cent.
Cumberland Council has told residents that like many local authorities, it faces "significant financial challenges, including rising demand for services, rising prices, and changes to government funding."
Nevertheless, local authorities must set a balanced budget by law and Cumberland Council bosses have said that this year, it means "making sometimes difficult decisions" about services and taxation.
Residents, businesses, and organisations have been encouraged to share their views on the council's proposed 2026/27 budget, which includes a 2.99 per cent increase in council tax and a 2 per cent rise in the adult social care levy.
The council has said that increases in taxation will help to "maintain essential services such as adult social care, children’s services, and waste management."
Proceeds from an increased adult social care levy will fund residential care, supporting those recovering from illness, and services for those with learning and physical disabilities.
Commenting on the announcement, Charles Wood said: "Ah, a consultation. Cumberland Council is fantastic at those. Ignored the mayor one, ignored the bin one. What guarantees are there you'll listen and act on them?"
Council bosses say they have made £55 million in savings since April 2023 whilst improving services, they cite a 'Good' rating from Ofsted for Cumberland's children's services as a key achievement as well as the repair of nearly 9,000 potholes in 2024/25.
Most properties in Cumberland are within council tax bands A to C, if the proposed increase goes ahead, those in a band A properties would see an increase of £1.22 a week for council services.
Bills for band C properties would rise by £1.63 a week and bills for band D properties would rise by £1.83 a week, or £95.18 a year.
But Mia Cavaghan said: "More council tax and we still can't have our bins emptied weekly."
Judith Scott said: "If mine's rising by £1.22 a week, please can our domestic rubbish bins be emptied? 28th November was the last collection."
Parish councils and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner decide what to do with their own share of the council tax bill.
To have your say on the proposals, visit: https://consult.cumberland.gov.uk/budget-2026-27/surveys/budget-consultation-for-the-financial-year-2026-27
Or, search: Cumberland Council Budget 2026/27.
Share