MP calls for a review of local government throughout Cumbria

MP for Carlisle John Stevenson MP will be inviting the other Cumbrian MPs to support a letter to Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Local Government to request that he initiates a review of local government throughout Cumbria.

Currently Cumbria is made up of 1 County Council and 6 District Councils. The county has 400 councillors, 7 Chief Executives, 7 Senior Management Teams and 6 Council Tax Collecting Authorities- serving a population of around half a million.

John said ‘Our current local government system of a 2 tier authority in Cumbria is not the most effective or efficient use of public funds. The present structure has been identified by business and other organisations as a fundamental obstacle to growth.

Cumbria has such a large geographical area, I think that it would be sensible to create 2 unitary authorities, one in the north of the county and one in the south. This would allow for a more efficient use of tax payers’ money, a reduction in councillors and an opportunity to streamline decision making. A unitary would provide better leadership, creating a firm direction for our local economy and improve local services.’

Under the 2007 Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act, there is the ability for government ministers to initiate a review of local government in a particular area.

John believes that this would have strong support if Cumbrian residents were consulted upon regarding possible changes.

He added ‘Two unitary authorities in Cumbria would certainly create less confusion for residents and make one council directly responsible to the population which it serves. It would create a more streamlined local government for Cumbria, provide opportunities for savings and I believe lead to a better provision for local services.’