The public are being asked to give their views on next year’s budget Copeland Council budget.

The council hopes to save funds in 2020 and 2021 due to the reduction in central government funding and the effects of Covid-19.

In a consultation launched on Friday, residents are being asked what the council should prioritise regarding local government reform, town centres, open spaces and The Beacon Museum.

Views are also being sought on a number of discretionary services including the collection of garden waste and its customer services arrangements.

Also proposed is a 1.95 per cent increase in the council’s share of council tax, and increases in line with inflation in its fees and charges.

Mike Starkie, mayor of Copeland, said: “We are working incredibly hard to maintain services amid ever decreasing budgets and a global pandemic which is having a significant effect on financial resources.

“It’s worth reminding people that we only keep around 11 per cent of the council tax you pay, which is an average of £4.04 per week, for all the services we provide.

“For the sixth consecutive budget, we are not proposing any cuts to frontline services. But the reality is that we do have to save money and are looking at ways that this could be achieved.

“We want to hear our residents’ views on how we spend their money, and I’d urge everyone to respond to our consultation."