Parliament has given the go-ahead for Cumbria to press forward with plans to create a new authority led by a mayor.
The Government laid a statutory instrument in Parliament yesterday to formally establish the Cumbria Combined Authority – the final legislative step.
The new authority will be created early next year and elections for Cumbria’s first mayor will take place in May 2027.
Mayoral elections were postponed for a year in Cumbria to align with other local government elections in 2027, saving around £1.1m in costs.
The new mayoral authority will be given £11.1 million a year from the Government and will be able to choose what it wants to spend the money on.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed confirmed in a ministerial statement that the county was one of six areas to be given cash for 30 years.
Cumbria’s councils say the devolution proposals will unlock ‘substantial’ additional powers and funding to drive economic regeneration across the county.
It will also be able to bid for additional Mayoral Investment Funds to help unlock critical infrastructure projects, including rail and road upgrades.
The new Cumbria Combined Authority will be given powers that are currently held by Westminster.
Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness councils said it will allow the county to:
- Develop a single integrated transport plan for Cumbria, improving public transport and connectivity
- Drive regeneration and housing projects tailored to local needs
- Strengthen environmental resilience and sustainability across communities
- Invest in skills and training designed around local employers’ needs
The councils added that a mayor will give Cumbria a national voice as they will sit on the Council of Nations and Regions.
Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: “This is a historic moment for Cumbria.
“Devolution will deliver more investment for residents’ priorities, including funding for improved infrastructure, and will mean decisions are made closer to the people they affect.”
Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “This is a significant step towards establishing a combined authority.
“This will help secure additional funds and powers for Cumbria, that would not have been available to the two councils alone. We continue to discuss with government, what further benefits devolution can offer residents, communities and businesses.”
