By Margaret Crosby

Last updated 15:44, Wednesday, 03 December 2008

THE drop in interest rates has left Copeland Council £600,000 worse off on its return on investments and facing financial pressures.

decision: Coun Chris Whiteside

But asked whether it meant the borough would face a hike in next year’s council tax bills, leader Elaine Woodburn refused to be drawn. She said it was impossible to say at this stage.

“There is a lot to be taken into consideration before we get to that stage. This is something that is affecting every local authority, it’s not just a Copeland issue, but there are savings to be made that won’t impact on services.

“Only between 12-15% of what is raised in council tax comes to Copeland, anyway. Council tax is not a big money generator for us,” she added, “It’s just over £2 a week that people pay to Copeland Council which doesn’t even cover the cost of picking up a bin.’’

What would help the area’s economy significantly would be for a decision on the proposed new West Cumbria hospital to be speeded up, she told Tuesday’s full council meeting held at Cleator Moor.

“There is £180million sitting there for another acute hospital. If that could be speeded up it would help get us through this difficult time. We are so reliant on public money.’’

Coun Chris Whiteside (Con) said that with £35billion being sliced off public spending nationally it was to be hoped the hospital plan did not ‘slip’.

He urged the trust to “make a decision soon so we don’t risk losing the money.”

“We continue to raise the matter and press for it. All we need is the first sod to be cut in Whitehaven and we can get on with it,” said Coun Woodburn.

Tory leader David Moore said: “If we want to move it forward we have to throw our weight behind the Hensingham site.”