Cumbria County Council has approved its budget for 2007/8. A briefing document outlying key points in the budget is attached and the full budget papers agreed at a Full Council meeting today can be viewed at www.cumbria.gov.uk/council.
Tim Stoddard, Leader of Cumbria County Council, said:"The county council has been taking a long, hard look at its finances over the last year and this budget sets us on course for a sound financial future. When setting the budget this time last year, we did not face the huge financial liabilities over equal pay and equal value claims from employees that we face now. An enormous amount of work has got us to where we are today: we have a plan in place to deal with those potential liabilities; we are more efficient than ever before thanks to a major review of how we provide services; and we are continuing to deliver quality services to the people of Cumbria."
Joan Stocker, Deputy Leader and cabinet member responsible for the budget, said: "This budget includes extra investment running into multi-million pounds in areas including caring for older people and waste management. But at the same time tough decisions have had to be made to produce a balanced budget. Every effort has been made to minimise the impact on services, while at the same time continuing to improve our performance."
ENDS
Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 606332
Follow this link to view briefing document on the budget