Published: 10/02/2015
Wednesday January 21, 2015. For immediate release
COPELAND Council is to continue funding parish councils despite extreme cuts to its budget.
The council’s executive committee decided to continue the £67,000 funding for 2015/16.
The council had the option to reduce the grant by 30 per cent - the same percentage as the council’s grant from central government has been cut - to assist with budget savings of £1.65m. However councillors made the decision to continue the funding for 2015/16.
Coun Gillian Troughton, portfolio holder for finance and HR, said: “We listened very carefully to our parish councils on this and they told us they did not want the grant to end, so we have decided to retain it.
“As one of the hardest-hit councils in the country this was a difficult decision, as we have considerable savings to make, but in the end we decided not to pass on the cuts to the parishes. They do an excellent job in delivering services that enhance the quality of life in our communities. By passing on this funding we are ensuring they can continue their good work.”
Gareth Stringer, chairman of Egremont Town Council, said: “We are pleased that the council listened to our views on this. We understand the constraints on the council’s budget but it is great news that the funding will continue and we can keep delivering our services.”
Ends
