The Government is seeking public views on devolution in the local government areas of Westmorland and Furness and Cumberland.
The consultation, launched on 17 February and running until 13 April, is inviting responses from all sectors of society about potential devolution in Cumbria.
The Government has set out a commitment to widen devolution, transferring more decision-making powers and funding from Westminster to local areas.
Both councils were invited to join the Devolution Priority Programme after expressing interest in looking at creating a new strategic authority for Cumbria with a publicly elected mayor.
The current public consultation is seeking views that will help inform final decisions to be made in the autumn. This could lead to an election for a mayor in May 2026.
A new mayor-led strategic authority would be in addition to Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness 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
- Public safety
Consultations in six areas chosen for the DPP are being run by the Government. Westmorland and Furness Council is encouraging all interested parties to have their say before 23.59pm on 13 April.
The full consultation document with details on potential powers and funding can be found at Cumbria devolution - GOV.UK where there is also a link for individuals, organisations and businesses to give their responses. Responses can also be submitted by email and post.