Unitary decision announced

City Council responds to Government's unitary decision

Carlisle City Council, today, is pleased that the Government has rejected plans for a unitary authority for Cumbria saying it is the right decision for not only Carlisle's residents but also for local democracy throughout Cumbria.

Local Government Minister, John Healey MP, today rejected the bid for a single unitary council submitted by Cumbria County Council, which if it had been successful would have seen all six district councils and the County Council abolished.

Carlisle City Council, together with all the district councils in Cumbria strongly opposed the County Council's bid for a single authority as it believed that it would be too large, services would be compromised and the financial costs prohibitive.

Cllr Mike Mitchelson, Leader of Carlisle City Council, said:

This is a very significant day as I hope that the idea of a county-wide unitary authority can be laid to rest once and for all. Carlisle residents' views have been listened to and the right decision made, now we can move forward with all the positive aspects of the White Paper, especially on developing a stronger two-tier arrangement which will be at the heart of the community making sure residents get the best services we can provide. Carlisle City Council has not worked alone to draw the Government's attention to the failings of the County Council's bid, all the district councils have been united in their opposition to it and I am certain that local government in Cumbria now has a bright future.

Cllr Michael Boaden, Leader of Carlisle City Council's Labour Group, said:

I welcome the decision of the Government to reject the ill thought out and wholly impractical bid from Cumbria County Council. Local people had already wholeheartedly said no to the idea of one remote council for Cumbria and the district councils and local MPs have all worked hard to ensure this Government decision.

We must now move forward together, with the County Council, to ensure that we all deliver high quality public services that provide value for money and proper opportunities for public involvement.This is the challenge and opportunity that today's decision gives us. We must not let the people of Cumbria down.

Cllr Trevor Allison, Leader of Carlisle City Council's Liberal Democrat Group, said:

I am pleased that a decision has been made and also with the outcome. We now have the opportunity to demonstrate how the district authorities can comprehensively extend partnership working and achieve savings.

Work will now start on the next steps to implement the White Paper building on the partnership work already started by the Better Government for Cumbria Group. This will be discussed at the next Full Council meeting in September, where members will consider the best ways to improve services for Carlisle and Cumbria.