Cumberland Council Sets Out Plans for 4.99% Council Tax Rise in 2026 Budget

Cumberland Council has unveiled its budget proposals for 2026/27, which include a planned 4.99% increase on its share of council tax.
The authority is now consulting residents on the plans, saying the proposed rise is needed to help maintain vital services such as adult social care, children’s services and waste collection.
Under the proposals, council tax would increase by 2.99%, alongside a further 2% adult social care levy. The levy is ringfenced to support services including residential care, rehabilitation for people recovering from illness, and support for residents with learning or physical disabilities.
Cumberland Council stressed that its portion is only one element of the final council tax bill, with separate precepts set by parish councils and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
The council said it is facing the same pressures as local authorities across the country, including rising demand for services, inflation running above 3%, and uncertainty around government funding. By law, the authority must set a balanced budget each year.
Formed in 2023 following the reorganisation of local government in Cumbria, Cumberland Council said it has already delivered £55 million in savings through a wide-ranging transformation programme designed to improve long-term financial sustainability.
Most households in the Cumberland area live in council tax bands A to C. If the proposals are approved, a Band A property would see an increase of around £1.22 per week for Cumberland Council services, while Band C households would pay about £1.63 more each week. For a Band D property, the increase would amount to £95.18 per year, or approximately £1.83 per week.
Councillor Barbara Cannon, executive member for financial planning and assets, said the decision had not been taken lightly.
“Proposing to put up council tax is never easy, but it has to be balanced against the impact on services and the people who rely on them,” she said. “We are very aware of the pressures on household budgets, which is why we provide support through the council tax reduction scheme.”
She encouraged residents who may be eligible for financial support to apply, and urged the public to take part in the consultation.
“We want people to have their say so their views can be considered when we set the final budget in the new year,” she added.
Alongside day-to-day spending, the draft budget includes continued capital investment in communities across Cumberland. This includes regeneration projects in towns such as Maryport, Workington and Millom, as well as ongoing development in Carlisle city centre.
The public consultation is open until January 30. Residents can respond online, request paper copies from libraries and customer contact centres, or provide feedback by phone.
Westmorland and Furness Council has also announced plans for a 4.99% council tax increase, reflecting similar financial challenges across Cumbria.