09/09/03 - A New Unitary Cumbria Council - The Only Option

Only a new unitary Cumbria Council can: · Deliver strategic capacity and quality services. · Work effectively for Cumbria's diverse communities. · Produce major savings for council taxpayers. · Exert significant influence for Cumbria on the regional and national stage. 

Those facts were made clear and supported by detailed evidence today as the County Council published its Submission to the Boundary Committee. It proposes a new single unitary Cumbria council, should there be a vote in favour of Regional Government in the northwest.   

County Council Leader, Rex Toft explains;    

"The evidence speaks for itself. It clearly shows a new single Cumbria council is the only option that can meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead whilst delivering better value and better services. We must get the right balance in ensuring the people of Cumbria have a strong voice at a regional level and have access to quality services locally. I strongly believe a new unitary Cumbria is the only option that will achieve that.   

Remember all existing Councils, both Districts and County will disappear if there is a yes vote for regional government. A single new Cumbria council is the only option that will pay for the cost of all the changes and deliver efficiency savings within just a few years. Any other option, whether that be splitting Cumbria into two or three, will take at least a generation to pay for the cost of the changes. With some options the taxpayer will go on paying more indefinitely. 

Cumbria is making great strides in working with communities and developing the economy through innovative regeneration programmes. We have national reputation for what is being achieved. That success can only continue by Cumbria having a single council strong enough to influence region and government to secure the necessary support and funding.   

Cumbria has many voices and now we have one vision - a vision for a new Council that is the right solution for Cumbrians of both the present and future generations."   

Deputy Leader Mike Ash agrees there is much success to build on:   

"We have already shown that in Cumbria we can combine strategic working on economic regeneration and specialist services, whilst developing local decision making through local committees and neighbourhood forums. A new Cumbria unitary council will build on these innovative developments and strengthen the links with Town and Parish Councils. Cumbria is a rich mix of diverse communities and no other option can succeed in meeting their many needs and aspirations. 

We have shown that there is strength in Cumbria wide working and have been the driving force behind the creation and development of the Rural and Urban Regeneration Companies and the Cumbria Strategic Partnership. A Cumbria wide council will fill the gap that will exist between regional decision making and the delivery of local services."   

Chief Executive of Cumbria County Council, Louis Victory is in no doubt as to the influence of a new unitary Cumbria council:   

"A new Cumbria unitary council will be a powerful force for the people and businesses of Cumbria. It will be a completely fresh start, not a continuation of any existing council. In a new Northwest Assembly it would be big enough to hold its own in debate with huge councils like Manchester and Liverpool. The smaller councils in some options may just be swamped and ignored.   

Since Foot and Mouth, Cumbria has been fighting back, getting new support and resources. Only a new single Cumbria council can keep this momentum going - and give Cumbrians the value for money they deserve."