RESIDENTS in north and west Cumbria will get the chance to have their say on a proposed Council Tax rise of almost five per cent.

Cumberland Council has launched a four-week long consultation on the budget for 2024/2025 after members of the executive committee agreed the move at a meeting at the Civic Centre in Carlisle on Friday (December 15).

It is also proposed that Council Tax for second homes will double in Cumberland from April 1, 2025 after the government introduced legislation allowing such a move.

The consultation document states: "We estimate that this could generate an additional £5 million for Cumberland Council each year which could be used to support delivery of our services and help us tackle the affordable housing crisis in our area."

Council Tax forms the major source of funding for the authority at 51 per cent while the remainder is made up from 29.8 per cent from business rates and 19.2 per cent from Government grants.

Speaking at the meeting councillor Barbara Cannon (St Michaels, Labour), the portfolio for financial planning and assets, said that, while the views from business owners were important, so were the views of residents.

She added: "As a council we are committed to transparency with the public. This consultation is an important first step in the budget setting process."

As well as being able to take part online residents will also be able to pick up hard copies in council offices and libraries.

Cllr Cannon said the consultation was aimed at getting a "good feel from our residents on how they think".

Councillor Mark Fryer (St Johns and Great Clifton, Labour), the leader of the council, said there was a "stark reality" with council finances but reassured members that the budget would be balanced.

He said there had been increased demand on services, contributing to the current budgetary pressures and added: "The elephant in the room is inflation which has smashed our budget apart."

The committee agreed to launch the consultation which runs until Friday, January 12.

The move confirmed their commitment to the Cumberland Council Plan which places the improvement of the health and well-being at the heart of everything the council does

Of the proposed 4.99 per cent rise two per cent would be earmarked for an adult social care levy.

It means that a band D property would pay an extra £86.35 for the year, or £1.66 a week, and it would rise from £1730.45 to £1816.80.