Independent analysis of responses to the Success Regime's controversial consultation over health cuts will cost the taxpayer in excess of £48,685, it has been revealed.

NHS Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the local body responsible for the Healthcare for the Future consultation, appointed The Campaign Company to analyse all of the feedback.

CCG boss Stephen Childs has repeatedly said that independent analysis would reassure local communities that all responses had been properly considered before any decisions are made.

They worked alongside the Consultation Institute, a body which advises organisations about high-quality consultations, to appoint independent analysists, the Campaign Company.

The estimated cost for this was originally £48,685, plus VAT. But this is likely to increase due to the high number of responses received, which were much more than originally expected.

The responses include a 10,000-signature petition handed over by The Cumberland News on behalf of readers. These were collected as part of our well-supported Save Our Services campaign.

The final cost is expected to be published by the NHS once complete. Its report will then be considered by the CCG governing body when making its decision.