CHARGES for a popular music and drama lending scheme look set to rise as part of the library service's contribution towards funding an equal pay claim.

Proposed rises are to be put forward for approval by Cumbria County Council that would see charges for borrowing items such as vocal scores and playsets, which are usually loaned to music and drama groups and societies, climb to £1.80.

The move has been made following a consultation with local groups, which stated their preferred option was to see charges increased rather than lose the service altogether.

Details of the revised charges are expected to be revealed before April and the spokesman confirmed the proposed increase was part of the library service's efforts to help the council meet an equal pay claim sought by around 3,000 female members of the authority's staff, costing £50 million.