A CUMBRIAN MP has slammed the proposed ‘whopping’ council tax rise that could come into force from April.

Simon Fell, the MP for Barrow and Furness, has criticised plans from Westmorland and Furness Council to raise council tax by 4.99 per cent.

The council is proposing a 4.99 per cent increase in council tax which consists of a 2.99 per cent basic rise as well as implementing the government’s two per cent increase for the adult social care precept.

Mr Fell said: “The new unitary authority was meant to streamline services and cut costs by harmonising contracts.

“Instead, they have proposed a whopping rise – the maximum available. I don’t think, especially now, that this is the right approach.”

The proposed increase in council tax will lead to an annual increase of £57.91 for Band A properties and an £173.75 increase for Band H properties.

Cabinet member for finance, councillor Andrew Jarvis (Windermere and Ambleside, Lib Dems), said in a report: “We calculate that the cost of delivering essential local services will increase by £27.5 million in 2024/25. The funding we expect from the Government will not meet this increase and to ensure that we continue to support essential local services we remain reliant on the income generated via council tax to help increase the council’s income.”

“We are also fully aware of the pressures on our residents and families with the rising cost of living and as such, after careful consideration, we are proposing to increase council tax for 2024/25 by 4.99 per cent. At the time of this consultation being launched even with this increase the council still has a budget gap of £5million.

“But work is underway to close this gap and the council is confident that it will be able to agree a balanced budget, which is a legal requirement, at its full council meeting on 22 February 2024.

“We know that many households are finding it difficult financially and the rising cost of living continues to be a huge burden for many. That is why we have tried hard to keep the increase to the minimum and will continue to support those who are financially vulnerable through our generous council tax reduction scheme.”

The council will continue to provide the council tax reduction scheme for people on low incomes which supported 13,000 households in the area this past year according to council documents.

Amongst other proposals include increasing the council tax paid on second homes by a 100 per cent premium from April 1, 2025, and applying an inflationary uplift on fees and charges of 6.7 per cent.