Personal injury claims have cost both of the unitary councils in Cumbria both created in 2023 a total of £1.35 million - but Westmorland and Furness council has paid out significantly more than Cumberland Council in claims.
New data on personal injury claims against the two councils over a three-year period reveals a huge difference in financial payouts across Cumbria.
The figures for Cumbria's two unitary authorities highlight Westmorland and Furness Council's staggering compensation fees, while Cumberland Council paid less than 4% of the £1.35 million total.
FOI requests to both councils revealed Westmorland and Furness Council paid out over 25 times more in personal injury compensation than Cumberland Council between 2023/24 and 2024/24.
Personal injury compensation claims are often made when members of the public are injured or have suffered a financial loss because the council failed to maintain public spaces or services safely.
Local authorities have a legal duty of care to ensure areas such as roads, pavements, parks, council housing and public buildings are reasonably safe for the public.
Recent statistics reveal just how common these claims are in Cheshire.
Over the two-year period, a total of 259 personal injury claims were lodged against the councils in the region.
Westmorland and Furness Council recorded 161 claims, while Cumberland Council recorded 98 claims during the same period.
The data reveals that the vast majority of personal injury claims across the region were brought by the general public rather than council staff. Of the councils that provided breakdown data, 239 claims were submitted by the public, compared to just 20 by employees.
Despite both councils facing a consistent stream of public claims, the total amounts paid out in compensation are drastically different. Over the two-year period, Westmorland and Furness Council paid out a staggering £1,302,697 in compensation.
In stark contrast, Cumberland Council paid out just £51,887.58. Across the entire region, the total amount paid by the councils was £1,354,584.58.
According to the councils, claims for trips and falls by cyclists, motorists and members of the public due to potholes, as well as trips, falls and slips by public due to defective footways/verges were among the most common made against them.
Other claims included highways related slips, trips and falls and accidents at work.
Legal Expert solicitor Patrick Mallon who offers help, support and advice for anyone who has suffered injuries or damages to properties caused by potholes said: "These latest figures show the importance of local councils upholding their statutory duty to both their employees and their residents.
"We've seen far too many avoidable accidents happen over the years. Even simple slip, trip and falls have the potential to turn someone's life upside down.
"We turn to our councils for help and support and to keep us safe in our neighbourhoods. We hope that in shining a light on these figures more action can be done to ensure public and employee safety."
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