Cumbria’s councils have agreed to progress discussions with the Government on devolution for the county.
Devolution gives regions more powers and decision-making over what happens on matters such as transport, employment support, planning, and housing.
Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness councils submitted a joint expression of interest in September and have continued to discuss opportunities that might be created by a devolution deal.
Now the leaders of the two councils have jointly written to Jim McMahon, Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, expressing their commitment to progressing discussions that could lead to the creation of a combined authority for Cumbria.
The letter is not a binding decision or commitment to devolution by the councils, the authorities said.
Agreeing to continue discussions will allow the councils to fully engage in the devolution policy in order to understand more about the governance and funding arrangements before making any formal decisions.
It is expected a Devolution White Paper will be published shortly that will provide more detail on powers and funding to be devolved and how the relationship between national and local areas will work.
The leaders’ letter to the minster said the councils shared the Government’s commitment to achieving economic growth.
It added the creation of a combined authority would require forthcoming legislation to provide a satisfactory basis on which to move forward, with local consultation, and the agreement of both authorities. The councils also stated that support would be required to provide additional expertise and capacity to create the authority. The Government has said it is willing to provide support for those areas that agree to progress devolution discussions.
Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “Devolution presents a significant opportunity for local areas to play a stronger role in making decisions that respond to local needs and opportunities.
“We will be working closely with Government to develop a devolution arrangement that is right for Cumbria.
“We also look forward to working with partners over the coming months and years to develop plans that enable Cumbria to realise its ambition for inclusive and sustainable growth.”
Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: “We want to do all we can to drive forward investment in our area. By working in partnership, we can secure the funding needed to support our communities and our economy.
“We have already taken steps to make this happen and we want to send a clear message to Government that we want to be around the table when devolution is discussed and be part of any accelerated discussions. This is an exciting time for our region, and it is important that we are part of the plans.”
Devolution does not affect the previous decision by Government to create Cumberland and Westmorland councils to run top tier local authority services in the county.
The councils have already committed to joint working across their council boundaries. They have set up Enterprising Cumbria, as the joint economic development team working with and for businesses across the county.
More than 350 business leaders and delegates have signed up to attend an economic summit organised by Enterprising Cumbria next Tuesday, December 3, at Keswick Pencil Factory.
Organised with support from the two councils, it will focus on the emerging Cumbria Economic Strategy.
