The leader of Westmorland and Furness Council has confirmed the new authority’s future participation in the Borderlands Partnership.
At a shadow authority cabinet meeting held this week, Councillor Jonathan Brook announced that Westmorland and Furness Council would become a full member of the Borderlands Partnership, which brings together cross-border local authorities to promote the economic growth of the area that straddles the Scotland-England border.
Councillor Brook said: “I am pleased to be able to announce that Westmorland and Furness Council will become a full member of the Borderland Partnership from April 1.”
In March 2021, the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal Agreement was signed, securing up to £350 million from the UK and Scottish governments and unlocking a further £102.56m of local investment across the area. Of the £350m, up to £200m is for the English authorities over a 10-year investment period.
For Westmorland and Furness, key elements of this are:
- Digital Borderlands, supporting gigabit capable broadband connection in hard to reach areas;
- Destination Borderlands, including See More Lake District Cycling and improving cycling infrastructure along the A591;
- Place Programme, £9m to deliver Place Plans in Penrith, Dalton and Ulverston with Investment Plans now being developed;
- Energy Programme, developing a programme to bring forward suitable low carbon energy projects;
- Natural Capital, £5m investment for Cumbria and Northumberland, with £1m recently unlocked to develop the programme.
Councillor Brook added: “These are important projects and by committing ourselves to the Borderlands Partnership going forward, we secure their delivery and the ongoing benefits that will come with being part of such a wide-reaching integrated strategic economic development programme across our region.”
