As you will be aware the county council is currently carrying out its budget consultation and I wanted to encourage as many people as possible to get involved and have their say before the closing date, which is January 22, 2016.

Understandably, following the floods many people have been busy dealing with the impact of the floods on themselves, or they have been supporting their friends and family through these difficult times.

But as we look forward, with a focus on our recovery, it is more important than ever that we get your views on this year’s budget proposals. As I’ve said before to deliver services within the budget available we need to look at doing them differently.

We very much need your views on all of our draft plans;

* The Council Plan

* The IRMP that looks at how we can deliver an efficient and effective fire and rescue service

* The Commissioning Strategy that looks at how we commission care services for adults and

* The Extra Care Housing Strategy, which explores how we can help older people and people with a disability to live independently.

All of these proposed changes will affect the people who work for us and the communities we serve. So please get involved with this year's consultation and tell us what you think before the consultation closes at cumbria.gov.uk/budgetconsultation or copies are also available at your local library.

Finally please rest assured that in putting together the budget for next year we are taking account of the impact of the floods on 'everyday' business of the council.

Your elected members and officers are working tirelessly with partners and the government to secure the maximum amount of funding possible to help fund the required repairs caused by the floods.

 

Cllr Patricia Bell

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance