PRICEWATERHOUSE Coopers has been named as the organisation set to conduct a root-and-branch review of service delivery across Cumbria County Council.

As previously reported, the authority has set aside around £100,000 over the coming financial year to pay for the consultancy stage of a "modernisation" exercise which could eventually see a number of council departments sold off, privatised, or run by public private partnerships.

In total, £500,000 has been earmarked to cover the long-term costs of the project - money which was generated by the £4m sale of Design and Business services to CAPITA last year.

Council leaders hope the move will bring the authority up to date and in line with other councils across the UK.