Cumbria County Council has today met the Government's deadline for submissions for new ways of running local government. The council's bid document 'One Council, One Vision, One Voice' - which makes the case for a single, unitary authority for the whole of Cumbria - has been sent to the Department for Communities and Local Government, on the same day that district councils in Cumbria have admitted they have failed to provide any alternative firm proposals, as required in the Government's White Paper.
The county council's leader Tim Stoddard said: "Today is an historic moment because it proves exactly what hard work and selfless determination can achieve. It has been a massive effort from everyone involved in the county council to get us to where we are today. Our proposal is an incredibly strong one and it meets all the conditions laid out in the White Paper. The decision will now rest with the Secretary of State on whether they would she would like Cumbria to proceed with improving the way local government is run.
"I note with interest that the district councils have met today to criticise our bid, but in doing so I'm afraid they have exposed their own weaknesses. They have failed to provide any alternative proposals within the required deadline; they have failed to agree among themselves on what to do, as only five of the six district councils are now working together; and they have failed to understand that this is not a county council 'takeover' of the districts, because our organisation too would be disbanded and an entirely new council would be created.
"The districts have come up with some principles on how they think local government should work - these are already addressed in our own proposals and this 'new thinking' simply repeats what we have already put on the table. We will, of course, look at the districts' 'critique' and make considered representation to the decision makers in Government if appropriate. But the Government and its auditors will examine our bid and it will stand or fall on its own merit - not on the opinions of the district councils. It goes without saying that we will continue to work alongside our colleagues in the district councils to ensure we deliver the best service to the people of Cumbria... within the limitations of the current system.
"We believe that our bid will create a create a visionary new authority that will be good news for everyone in Cumbria - cheaper to run, more efficient and more local decision making on issues that matter to people. Other key organisations in Cumbria, such as the health authority, police and businesses have all signalled their support and have said they are ready to work alongside us to create the new vision. We will be actively listening to the public and partners to help build on our proposal, " said Councillor Stoddard.
Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 606332
You can find more information on the proposed 'One Council for Cumbria' submission at the link below.
One Council - View the web-based guide on a potential switch to a unitary council