Centralisation or Devolution?
We would seek to work with the other local authorities in Cumbria and beyond, exploring opportunities to develop stronger working relationships, striving to streamline services and reduce costs. Whilst we recognise that the introduction of a Unitary Authority could support this we need to ensure that our District and Borough partners share our vision, and that we are able to lobby effectively with one voice.
The question leads to whether we should centralise services in unitary authority; whether we should have two or three authorities that are smaller than the county but larger than the districts; or whether County Council services could be devolved to the districts with greater sharing of services when it comes to county-wide issues.
Whichever path is chosen, it has to be the right decision for every Allerdale resident.
Reduced bureaucracy AND cost savings
Cumbria currently has 368 councillors across 7 councils, plus the Lake District National Park Authority. That also means 8 Chief Executive, and lots of duplication of roles across the authorities.
Most residents don't know who is responsible for which service, all that matters is that the service is provided and done so efficiently. By developing stronger relationships with neighbouring authorities we can provide first class services, more efficiently, while seeking a solution to the unitary question. Reducing the numbers of councillors and senior staff leads to reduced cost and bureaucracy, which you would see the benefit of in your council tax bill.