Cumbria’s councils have agreed to join the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme.
Westmorland and Furness and Cumberland councils were invited to join the programme after earlier expressing interest in exploring what greater devolution of powers could mean in Cumbria.
The new Government has set out its intention to widen devolution across England, giving regions more powers and decision-making over matters such as economic development, transport, employment support, planning, and housing.
Today, Thursday January 9, at its meeting in Kendal, Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet agreed to join the programme.
Cumberland Council leader Mark Fryer has signed a leader’s decision notice reaffirming his council’s desire to be part of the programme.
The decisions pave the way for the next stages of looking at creating a new strategic authority for Cumbria with a directly elected mayor.
This will see a Government-led public consultation held, with both unitary councils then required to make a final decision later in the year.
A Mayoral Strategic Authority for Cumbria would be in addition to Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils, which were formed in April 2023 to take over the responsibilities of the former Cumbria County Council and six district councils.
A new strategic authority would not take responsibility from the two unitary authorities. It would have additional strategic responsibilities, extending and strengthening the work of the former Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.
It will have a mandate to act strategically to drive economic growth as well as support shaping of public services where strategic level co-ordination adds value.
Government is devolving funding and powers to the strategic authorities to support economic growth in a move away from national competitive bidding processes.
Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council Jonathan Brook, said: “We are very much focussed on achieving the best outcomes for the people we represent and today’s decision recognises the Government’s intent to prioritise areas that are progressing with devolution.
“We look forward to continuing to work with colleagues on the best opportunities for this area and encourage local people to respond to the Government’s consultation and will carefully consider local opinion when it comes to the final vote at our full council in the autumn.”
Councillor Fryer said: “We have made it clear that we want to be part of the devolution discussion with Government. It is the best way to secure future investment in our area and secure the funding needed to support our communities and our economy.
“It is important that we are part of the plans at the early stages.”
For the Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness areas, it was made clear that Cumbria is the only devolved geography that the Government would consider at the current time, the authorities said.
