Last updated at 14:04, Friday, 04 January 2013

Allerdale council has renewed its pledge to protect frontline services as much as possible as it faces a further cut in funding from the Government.

PROTECTING: Coun Barbara Cannon

Ministers have announced that, when all aspects of the grant funding it receives from central government are considered, Allerdale will face a 3.4 per cent cut.

The decision will see it receive £6,996,000 for the 2013-14 year rather than the £7,244,000 it got this year.

Councillor Barbara Cannon, deputy council leader and executive member responsible for finance, said the figures were as expected.

The council is already part way through a transformation project to cut £3.5million from its annual spending by 2014-15.

Coun Cannon added: “We are working quite hard to keep on track.

“We have been looking behind the scenes for savings, although there comes a point when you can’t do that anymore and I think we are approaching that point.

“We have been quite determined to protect our frontline services – things people care about – or find an alternative way of delivering them.”

An online survey is being run until January 15 for people to give their views on its services and spending ahead of next year’s budget, which will be drawn up in February.

To take part in the consultation visit www.allerdale.gov.uk and click on the consultations link under “your voice” on the home page.

First published at 13:59, Friday, 04 January 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk