26/10/2006 - Cumbria excited by opportunities for more accountable unitary local government : Cumbria County Council

Cumbria County Council’s political leaders have given cross party support to the Local Government White Paper published today.

The Strong and Prosperous Communities White Paper, published today by the Department for Communities and Local Government, contains sweeping proposals on making local councils more accountable to local people.

Some areas, like Cumbria, have been invited to consider whether changing to a unitary authority structure could lead to services being delivered more efficiently and local people having a stronger voice.

Council Leader Tim Stoddard said: “We are excited by the opportunities for Cumbria presented in the White Paper. We are being given a once in a lifetime opportunity to look at how public services and local democracy could work in our county through a unitary system. We must look at the options very carefully before deciding the way forward. I am keen that we work alongside our partners in district authorities, the police, primary care trusts and other bodies to develop the best solution for the people of Cumbria.”

Deputy Leader of the Council and leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Joan Stocker, added her support: “The public are confused by local government in Cumbria - people just don’t know who does what. Today we are being given a real chance to create a unitary system which connects with local people. We want stronger neighbourhoods based on local people having a strong voice, and frontline councillors who can make a real difference.”

Councillor Jack Richardson, leader of the Conservative Group, highlighted the opportunities for creating a strong unified voice for Cumbria: “For too long there have been too many competing voices claiming to speak on behalf of Cumbria. Today’s White Paper presents us with an opportunity to create a single coherent leadership able to put our case and compete nationally and in Europe.”

And leader of the county council’s Labour Group, Stewart Young, said: "The White Paper has some interesting aspects which we need to examine. The existing system of local government in two-tier areas is not sustainable and this White Paper gives us the opportunity for radical change.”

Work has begun in preparing the county council’s response to the Local Government White Paper. Expressions of interest in pursuing the case for a remodelled local government must be made by 18th January 2007. The council’s cabinet will have their first opportunity to consider the implications at their meeting on 7th November.

Council Leader Tim Stoddard's statement on the White Paper can be found at the link below.

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