25/05/04 - County Council welcomes Boundary Committee announcement

Cumbria County Council has welcomed today's news that a unitary Cumbria will be on the regional government ballot paper. A unitary council for the whole of Cumbria is the council's preferred option if there is a yes vote for regional government in the North West.    

Councillors Rex Toft, Leader and Mike Ash, Deputy Leader of the County Council say:   

"A unitary Cumbria is the best way to deliver quality services and value for local taxpayers. They are arguments that the Boundary Committee have accepted. Cumbrians must have a strong voice at regional level and access to quality services locally. A new unitary Cumbria will pay for the cost of all the changes and deliver efficiency savings in a few years. Splitting Cumbria into two, will take at least a generation to pay for the cost of the changes alone!"   

Cumbria is making great strides developing its economy through innovative regeneration programmes. The county has a national reputation for what is being achieved. That success can only continue by Cumbria having a single council strong enough to influence regional and central governments to secure the necessary support and funding. 

The county council's innovative use of local committees and local forums are proof that local decision-making can be achieved within a Cumbria wide authority.    

As people become aware of the cost of splitting Cumbria in two, and the impact that will have on their pocket, the council believes support for a unitary Cumbria will increase.