The Local Government Chronicle has named Cumbria County Council as one of the country's top ten councils for efficiency savings.
The LGC survey measures planned savings as a percentage of each authority's budget and reveals that Cumbria County Council sits in fifth place nationally for their proposed savings. Strategic partnerships are identified as one of the key factors behind improved efficiency. The council's contracts with Agilysis, Amey and Capita are named as the driving forces towards major savings.
As a result Cumbria County Council has been invited to share the benefits of their experience with other local authorities as a keynote speaker for the New Local Government Network's efficiency conference in September.
Councillor Stoddard says:
"The LGC survey is a comprehensive and independent assessment of local authorities. Their survey highlights our drive for efficiency. The council has emerged as one of the most ambitious and progressive authorities in the country.
Over the last four years we have consistently had some of the lowest council tax rises in the country. We are determined to achieve levels of efficiency that guarantee value for money for the people of Cumbria. This survey shows that we are working hard to strike the best possible balance between spending on services and keeping tax increases down."
The survey shows councils nationwide are expected to meet Government efficiency targets following the Gershon review, with an estimated £6.45bn of savings forecast over the next three years. Against a target of £6.5m, Cumbria County Council is shown as having identied efficiencies of £14.8m, £10.2m of which is cashable.