New measures to beat deprivation

The county council says it will support local businesses

New measures are being proposed to fight poverty as the economic downturn takes hold in Cumbria.

The county council has launched a special strategy to beat deprivation after it was named one of the country's worst affected areas for fuel poverty.

Energy efficiency campaigns, business support, lower council tax and school uniform grants are on the agenda.

Councillor Barbara Cannon said it was essential that they helped the most vulnerable in the community.

She said: "The effects of poverty can be crippling, poor health, increased crime, it is a vicious circle of deprivation. We are not going to stand by and let that happen.

"We will be lobbying hard to rectify the inequalities that make Cumbria one of the country's worst affected areas for fuel poverty.

"We will be supporting local businesses and employers to navigate the troubled waters.

"We will do everything possible to keep council tax as low as possible in the next financial year."