Cumbria Combined Authority has received an additional funding of £1.5million from the Government, it has been revealed.
Members of the newly formed Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) meeting to consider the organisation’s medium term financial plan (MTFP) 2026-2030 and Enterprising Cumbria’s reserves position before it takes over responsibility for its operation.
They were told by an officer that the budget was balanced for the next four years and there was the additional funding from the Government of £1.5million.
They were recommended to approve the MTFP 2026-2030 and note that the 2026/27 budget had been updated for the £1.5million of additional Capacity Fund as announced by the MHCLG on March 31.
In addition, they were asked to note that, subject to agreement of the separate report on the board’s agenda, up to £2.675million will be set aside from the revenue investment fund and approve the transfer of £3.656million of Enterprising Cumbria reserves to the CCA
Councillor Andrew Jarvis (Windermere and Ambleside, Lib Dems) observed they were being asked to approve the transfer of £3.656million and added: “Are we confident that is the correct number?” He was told that it was the right amount.
Authority chairman councillor Mark Fryer (St Johns and Great Clifton, Labour) moved that they agreed the recommendations which was agreed.
The report states: “MIAA, now formally appointed as the CCA’s internal auditor, is undertaking a review of the Enterprising Cumbria reserves.
“Whilst the review is not yet fully complete the initial fieldwork from MIAA has not identified any hidden liabilities, unrecorded commitments, or contingent exposures that would materially affect the transfer position.
“It is proposed that the reserves position outlined in the report is incorporated into the CCA’s opening balance sheet and MTFP and that any significant issues raised by MIAA as they finalise their review are reported to the next board meeting.”
According to a separate report the total Enterprising Cumbria income was £0.945million for 2025/26.
Enterprising Cumbria delivered five key programmes funded by several Central Government departments including: Skills Bootcamps; a Careers Service; Net Zero; a Business Support Service; and Connect to Work.
The report states: “Enterprising Cumbria commissions and manages economic delivery programmes on behalf of Central Government in Cumbria.
“The team currently consists of 21 posts, 20 of which are directly funded via programmes. In addition, there are four vacant positions to be filled as part of the DWP Connect to Work Programme.
“Funding is agreed through Grant Offer Letters with different Government departments working to varying annual deadlines, eg some operate within the financial year with others the academic year.
“Some programmes are funded for 12-month delivery and others cover an 18-month period with budget carried forward across multiple financial years.”
Then select "Add to Home Screen"
