Following the Government release of responses to its consultation on Cumbria devolution Yesterday with the news that Cumbria would be progressing on the fast track devolution scheme. The response to government suggests that one of the two Cumbria unitary councils are less enthusiastic on the plans.
In a statement issued today (Friday 18th July) Westmorland and Furness and Cumberland Councils welcomed the news Cumbria has passed statutory devolution tests set by the Government and will now be allowed to progress to the next stage of the devolution process.
In a written ministerial statement on Thursday, Local Government Minister Jim McMahon confirmed the Government believed the introduction of a mayoral authority for Cumbria would improve people’s economic, social and environmental well-being and reflect the identities and interests of local communities.
See our article on Cumbria Mayor Election Delayed to 2027 as Government Announce Cumbria Devolution is Moving Forward
But the results now published of the government consultation carried out earlier this year shows that one of the two unitary councils are not as sure about the proposed creation of the new strategic authority and having a directly elected Mayor.
In response to one of the questions asked by government in the consultation asking “To what extent do you agree or disagree that establishing a Mayoral Combined Authority over the proposed geography will deliver benefits to the area?”
One of the unitary councils strongly agreed another was neutral on the benefits.
Another question asked “To what extent do you agree or disagree with the proposed governance arrangements for the Mayoral Combined Authority”
One unitary said it agreed the other said it did not know if agreed or disagree with the proposed governance arrangements of the new authority.
Some town and parish councils expressed concerns about whether services would improve for rural communities. Some respondents also expressed concerns that introducing a Cumbria Mayoral Combined Authority shortly after the area had undergone local government reorganisation could bring about disruptions.
Both Westmorland and Furness council and Cumberland Council will now need to formally decide whether they both want to introduce a Mayoral Strategic Authority at meetings of both councils. The councils are set to consider this decision at meetings in September.
If the councils do agree to setting up a Mayoral Strategic Authority, it is anticipated this would become a legal body early in 2026, with leadership coming from Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness until May 2027 when voters across Cumbria would be asked to elect a Mayor for Cumbria who would take over the leadership of the new Mayoral Strategic Authority.
Government sets out in detail last week powers and responsibilities that will be available for new Mayoral Strategic Authorities that include key areas for economic and community growth such as transport and local infrastructure, skills and employment support, housing and strategic planning, economic development and regeneration, health, wellbeing and public service reform, and public safety.
The consultation response showing one of the unitary councils been less sure of the plans was reflected in a statement by the leader of Westmorland and Furness Council Cllr Jonathan Brook, who said: “We welcome the agreement to the deferment of an election, if it is required, and confirmation that Cumbria has passed the Government’s statutory tests.”
“It will now be down to local elected members to make a final decision on whether to move forward with devolution.”
“Before that, and to ensure we reach a decision that is in the best interests of those we represent, we will be engaging with our key partners to understand their perspectives, and carefully considering the public feedback from the consultation.”
Despite the reservations of Westmorland and Furness Council the Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, was more enthusiastic saying: “This important milestone towards devolution in Cumbria is another step forward in bringing transformational change to our region.
"Devolution will unlock more funding and more powers for our area, with decisions being made in Cumbria rather than in London. We have seen the long-term benefits of devolution for communities and local economies in areas that have directly elected Mayors and this announcement is the start of our journey to match the growth we see in other regions.”
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