Westmorland and Furness Council has submitted its response to the Government’s devolution consultation.
If devolution goes ahead, it would mean a new mayor-led authority would be established alongside the existing two Cumbrian councils.
It would have additional strategic responsibilities, set out in law, covering transport and local infrastructure, skills and employment support, housing and strategic planning, economic development and regeneration, environment and climate change, health, wellbeing and public service reform and public safety.
The Government wants to transfer more decision-making powers and funding from Westminster to local areas and is inviting views from everyone about potential devolution in Cumbria.
Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness councils agreed to explore what it would mean for the county with the Government.
Westmorland & Furness Council’s nine-page document says while a new authority would be potentially significant, it needed to be accompanied by a commitment from the Government to provide the necessary level of funding.
It added: “We have acknowledged that we are dealing with the legacy of Local Government Reorganisation. The council is still in a period of transition
and continues to be stretched by the ongoing demands of stabilisation and integration.”
“Government has committed to providing capacity support, however the details of when that support will be provided have not yet been confirmed.
“We understand why Cumbria is the Government’s preferred geography. Looking to the long-term, we remain concerned about the financial sustainability of Cumbria as a devolved geography.”
It said the county’s 500,000 population was well below the 1.5m threshold that the Government had set out in its White Paper for devolution.
It added: “We await the outcome of the Spending Review later in the year to provide clarity on the future funding for devolution in Cumbria, this understanding will be essential for any decisions to provide our consent.
“For Cumbria to be a sustainable devolved geography, the funding our area would receive through devolution must be sufficient to make a meaningful difference and address this legacy of underinvestment.
“This total funding package is a material consideration for the Council and will be a key factor in our decision making later in the year.”
People can still comment on the plans and the consultation closes at 11.59pm tomorrow, Sunday April 13.
If the decision to press ahead is taken, it could lead to an election for a mayor in May next year.
TLeader of Westmorland and Furness Council Jonathan Brook, said: “Our response provides a measured assessment of the Government’s proposals, recognising both the potential benefits and issues for our area.
“We would urge anyone with an interest in Cumbria’s future to take part in the consultation and share their views so that Government has a really representative view of the thoughts and feelings of individuals, groups and businesses across the county.”
To take part in the consultation, click here.
Here is Westmorland & Furness Council’s response in full:
