Cumberland councillors agree a 4.99 per cent increase in council tax
It'll come in from the beginning of next month
Last updated 4th Mar 2026
Cumberland councillors have agreed a 4.99 per cent increase in council tax from the beginning of next month.
It was part of the proposed Cumberland Council budget for 2026/27 which was considered by the full council at Carlisle’s Civic Centre on Tuesday (March 3) where they also considered the Medium-Term Financial Plan.
The rise in council tax includes a 2.99 per cent increase in core council tax and two per cent increase in the adult social care precept.
It was recommended that members approve the proposed 2026/27 budget which included the approval of the General Fund Net Service Expenditure Budget for 2026/27 of £383.997million and approve the General Fund Budget Requirement for 2026/27 of £373.117million.
Councillor Barbara Cannon (St Michaels, Labour), the financial planning and assets portfolio holder, told members it was the council’s third budget since its formation, and it was ‘balanced and responsible’.
She said that council services were under increased pressure and the budget earmarked £2million in contingency funding for children’s services which was an area facing more demand.
Cllr Cannon said that, if council tax was not increased, they would have to cut services and those who could not afford it could access the council tax reduction scheme. She added: “This budget protects vital services.”
Both the Conservative and Lib Dems groups proposed amended budgets, but when they were put to the vote they both fell.
Councillor Tim Pickstone (Longtown, Lib Dems) said he felt the settlement from the Government was ‘poor’ and added: “We are going to have to make some tough decisions.”
Councillor Mark Fryer (St Johns and Great Clifton, Labour), the leader of the council said he did not know of a council around the country that had not been forced to make savings.
And councillor Robert Betton (Botcherby, Independent) highlighted a number of issues at the council including rising staff turnover and officers covering multiple roles and he added: “I am proposing a vote of no confidence in this Labour administration. Our residents deserve better.” However his proposal did not receive any support.
He said the budget set out some ‘serious choices’ and £300million had been taken out of the north and west Cambrian council budgets since the start of austerity which included £55million taken from Cumberland Council’s own budget. When it was put to the vote the proposed budget was overwhelmingly agreed.
Currently, 50 per cent of the council’s day-to-day spending is funded by council tax but, by 2029/30, this is predicted to rise to 59 per cent, after a 9.4 per cent or £16.5million drop in Government funding.
In response, the council has developed a Transformation Plan to meet these challenges and ensure it is more financially sustainable in the longer term. As a result, the budget includes some £32million in savings and increases in income in the next financial year.
Overall, this 4.99per cent council tax increase will mean a rise to a Band D council tax bill of £1.83 a week and for Band A properties it will be £1.22 a week.