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News Article - 14th December 2011 - "Carlisle MP Gravely Disappointed at Cumbria Council's Decision not to accept Assistance to Freeze Council Tax..."

MP for Carlisle John Stevenson MP is appalled that council tax may not be frozen for residents throughout Carlisle and Cumbria next year.

Earlier this year, the Government announced that it would provide assistance for local authorities which would allow for a council tax freeze in all areas of England.

The council tax which we pay is proportionally split between 4 local authorities, the parish council, the city council, the police and Cumbria County Council which receive by far the largest allocation.

John has congratulated Carlisle City Council’s pledge to accept this offer and freeze their proportion of the council tax. However, he is gravely disappointed that Cumbria County Council appear to have opted not to take advantage of this assistance and have plans to raise council tax for residents throughout Carlisle and Cumbria next year.

John said ‘By providing local authorities with financial assistance, central Government were preventing households and individuals receiving a raise in their council tax next year. I congratulate Carlisle City Council fully on their proposals to agree to this freeze, however, Cumbria County Council appear to be resisting the help which has been offered by central Government, preferring to raise the cost of council tax for residents throughout the county.

I am gravely disappointed at the leadership of Cumbria County Council which has resulted in this decision. It will undoubtedly and unnecessarily create an additional financial pressure for each and every household throughout Carlisle and Cumbria.’

- Comments? Please get in touch with us via e-mail on office@johnstevensonmp.co.uk or by phone on 01228 550684