Westmorland and Furness Council is planning an additional £86.827 million of capital spending over the next five years, taking its 2026–2031 programme to £531.062m if the latest increase is approved.
The cash-strapped council originally set a £427.75m capital programme in February. That figure was later increased to £444.235m before a further £86.827m was earmarked for addition.
Transport and highways receive biggest allocations
The largest elements of the proposed increase are £42.098m for a local transport grant and £39.62m for highways. Both allocations are spread across the next five years.
Capital spending covers the purchase, construction or improvement of physical assets, including land, buildings, streetlights and road signs. It also includes grants and advances to other organisations.
Education and local projects
Other funding expected in the current financial year includes £2.942m for high-needs educational provision and £1.214m for disabled facilities grants.
The plans also include £350,000 for housing market renewal in Barrow as part of its Town Deal. Schools are due to receive a further £443,000 from the Department for Education, while Grange CE Primary School is allocated £120,000.
Smaller allocations include £29,000 for play areas and £11,000 for rights of way.
The financial changes were approved by the council’s cabinet on 8 September. They were due to be considered by the full council at Kendal Town Hall on Thursday, 24 September, providing the next scheduled stage for the revised capital programme.