Cumbria devolution on the table, councils say

Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council have expressed an interest in receiving more decentralised powers for the county.

The authorities have submitted a joint statement to the government outlining its stance on devolution.

“We recognise the opportunity presented by the government’s devolution agenda,” it states.

“This expression of interest seeks to build on the existing working relationship on the Cumbria geographic footprint. This reflects our shared history and areas of strategic interest, as well as the reality of current devolution arrangements in our neighbouring geographies.”

The statement adds that Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council are interested in exploring the opportunities across all three available tiers of devolution currently on offer.

Level three devolution includes an elected mayor – as seen in Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester. Level two – which Lancashire is pursuing – is a non-mayoral model with fewer powers than level three.

Level one deals offer only a limited role in delivering strategic services.

“We would like to work alongside government in shaping and understanding the English Devolution Bill to ensure that we have clarity over the opportunities the different models will present for Cumbria,” the joint statement says.

Leader of Cumberland, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: “Devolution is an exciting prospect, and we are keen to see how it can enhance our collaborative efforts and drive positive change for the people of Cumberland.

“We are fully supportive of key developments underway within the wider region and know there is real benefit to us working together to create a strong voice for Cumbria.”

Cllr Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, added: “This is a real milestone for the two new councils and shows genuine commitment from both to work together and achieve the very best outcomes for the people we represent.

“I look forward to working with Cumberland and government colleagues to explore what opportunities lie ahead for us.”