‘We are not going to take this lying down’ - MP starts petition against Government’s ‘devastating’ cuts to council funding

Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has today launched a petition, urging the Government to reverse their decision to cut its funding for Westmorland and Furness Council by almost a third over the next three years.

The cuts will leave the Council with a shortfall of £12m for next year increasing to £43m by 2028/29.  

As a result, this week the Council’s Cabinet have had no choice but to recommend its Full Council increases to charges including:

• A 4.99% increase in the council’s share of Council Tax.
• A new annual charge of £60 per bin for garden waste collections. This charge will only be applied to residents who choose to use the service and will be managed through an annual subscription.
• Car park charges will be increased by around 10%.

Speaking today, Tim said: “These cuts will have a huge impact on every community across our area.

“This is yet another devastating attack on rural communities by this Labour Government.

“It's important that we come together to fight against the Government's cuts. 

“We are not going to take this lying down.

“Please help make our community’s voice heard by signing the petition today.”

The petition can be signed here.