Westmorland and Furness Council has submitted its response to the Government’s devolution consultation.
The Government wants to transfer more decision-making powers and funding from Westminster to local areas and is inviting views from all sectors of society about potential devolution in Cumbria.
The consultation, which closes at 23.59pm this Sunday (13 April), will help inform final decisions to be made on establishing a mayoral combined authority in the autumn. This could lead to an election for a mayor in May 2026.
A new mayor-led authority for Cumbria would be in addition to Westmorland and Furness and Cumberland Councils. It would have additional strategic responsibilities, set out in law, covering transport and local infrastructure, skills and employment support, housing and strategic planning, economic development and regeneration, environment and climate change, health, wellbeing and public service reform and public safety.
The Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, Cllr Jonathan Brook, said: “Our response provides a measured assessment of the Government’s proposals, recognising both the potential benefits and issues for our area.
“We would urge anyone with an interest in Cumbria’s future to take part in the consultation and share their views so that Government has a really representative view of the thoughts and feelings of individuals, groups and businesses across the county.”
Read Westmorland and Furness Council’s response to the Government’s devolution consultation.
You can respond to the consultation before Sunday’s closing date (13 April).
