Council blames government for tax hike and charges
BBCA council has blamed government cuts for deciding to "reluctantly" raise council tax and introduce new charges for residents.
Westmorland and Furness Council said it had "no choice" but to agree a 4.99% council tax rise - the maximum allowed without a referendum.
The Liberal Democrat-led authority will also introduce a £60 garden waste charge a year and increased parking fees. Blue badge holders will no longer be exempt from charges on the Windermere ferry, which are also due to rise.
The government said it was delivering "fairer funding, targeting money where it is needed most".
Councillor Andrew Jarvis, council deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, said government cuts amounted to £43m over the next three years, which meant it would have about £400 less to spend per resident.
He said: "This has been a difficult budget to propose and vote through.
"It includes changes to charges that we would have all preferred to have avoided."
'Spending power' rise
He also announced the authority would press ahead with staff cuts worth £5m, which he said were "hard and challenging".
Jarvis added: "This is something we must do now if we are to continue to balance our budget and provide the level of service our residents deserve."
The government said this was the first multi-year settlement for councils in over a decade focusing on increasing core spending power.
It takes into account resources available to local authorities, including grant funding, locally retained business rates, as well as council tax.
A spokesman said: "Westmorland and Furness will see a 12.2% increase in core spending power by 2028-29, worth £34.7 million."
