The inaugural meeting of the new Cumbria Combined Authority was held in Penrith this morning (Wednesday 18th March 2026), marking a significant step in Cumbria’s devolution journey.
The newly formed authority is governed by a board comprising two councillors from Cumberland Council and two from Westmorland and Furness Council. At the meeting, Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, was elected Chair of the Combined Authority, while Cllr Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, was appointed Vice Chair for the coming year. Both will serve in these roles until Cumbria’s first elected mayor takes office in May 2027.
The meeting, which lasted just over an hour, focused on establishing the authority’s operational foundations. Key agenda items included the appointment of senior officers, approval of the first-year budget, and agreement on governance arrangements.
Board members also approved plans to produce a detailed prospectus aimed at stakeholders and businesses, outlining the purpose and ambitions of the new authority. A shorter, more accessible document will also be developed to inform residents about its role and responsibilities.
Members were advised that the authority will receive a £333 million devolution settlement from central government, equating to £11 million per year over 30 years. However, concerns were raised that the funding is not linked to inflation, meaning its real-term value will decline over time as costs rise. Despite this, there is an expectation that additional grants and funding opportunities may become available to support future projects.
During discussions, Cllr Jarvis noted that Cumbria’s allocation is comparatively small due to its population size, making the new Combined Authority the smallest in the UK with the lowest level of funding among its counterparts.
Chair Mark Fryer said: “Today is a truly historic moment for Cumbria. Being elected as the first Chair of Cumbria Combined Authority is a tremendous honour, and I am proud to help lead efforts that will shape a brighter, more prosperous future for our county.
“This is the beginning of a new chapter for Cumbria. The future is bright, and today lays the foundations for what we can achieve together.”
Vice Chair, Jonathan Brook, added: “I’m delighted to be elected Vice Chair at such a pivotal point in Cumbria’s journey. The creation of the combined authority is a significant milestone, offering us a stronger voice and a real opportunity to deliver better outcomes for our residents and communities.
“There is real shared purpose across the board, and I’m looking forward to working collaboratively to drive meaningful progress.”
John Barradell said: “It is an honour to be formally appointed Interim Chief Executive as the CCA begins its work. Standing up a new organisation is a complex and ambitious task, and today’s meeting represents the culmination of months of commitment from colleagues across Cumbria.
“Our focus now is on delivery: building an effective, trusted organisation that brings about positive change. This is a really important moment for Cumbria, and I’m proud to support the team as we start to make a real change.”
Closing the meeting on a positive note, Cllr Fryer expressed optimism about the region’s prospects, stating: “The future is bright” for Cumbria.
The establishment of the Cumbria Combined Authority represents a new chapter for local governance, with leaders aiming to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and strengthen opportunities across the county.
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