CUMBRIA County Council's elections will not take place this year after a consultation on the future of local government in the area was launched.

County council elections were due to be held in May this year, but have now been pushed back 12 months.

This will avoid the possibility of the electorate being asked to vote for councils while they are being given the opportunity to express their views on the abolition of those councils.

It also avoids members potentially being elected to serve short terms. Planned by-elections for Allerdale Borough Council will take place in May, however, as will town and parish council elections.

A number of possibilities for the future of governance in Cumbria have been put forward. The county council favour a single unitary authority for all of Cumbria, whereas three other proposals advocate two authorities.

Carlisle and Eden’s preferred option is to form two new authorities on the footprint of the existing Eden, Carlisle and Allerdale Councils in the North and Copeland, Barrow and South Lakeland Councils in the South.

Leader of Eden District Council, Coun. Virginia Taylor, added: “Eden and Carlisle are in agreement that, if reorganisation is to happen, then it should be based on the two unitary councils outlined in our joint submission to the Government.

"Our proposal also supports the establishment of a mayoral combined authority that has a genuine strategic purpose and provides the basis for the devolution of powers away from Westminster and to the people of Cumbria.

"I encourage residents to make sure their voices are heard by participating in the Government’s consultation.”

However, Allerdale and Copeland have suggested splitting the council on an east and west basis.

Mike Johnson, deputy leader at Allerdale Borough Council, said: "The approach taken by Allerdale and Copeland will also ensure that our are most vulnerable residents are better supported to improve their lives, that businesses get the support to expand and create jobs and that local communities will keep their identity and have influence on their areas.

"I urge people to respond to the consultation and choose the east/west option as this is the best for residents, the best for business and provide the best future of our children.”