Councillors today took another step towards the setting up of a new Mayor-led authority for Cumbria.
Westmorland and Furness councillors voted to endorse an earlier decision of the council’s Cabinet that it was ‘minded to’ consent to devolution.
The vote at a meeting of the council today at Kendal Town Hall is another move towards the establishment of a Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) for Cumbria with new powers and funding devolved to it from central Government.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet will now make a final decision on consent on 14 October, the same day that Cumberland Council is set to announce its decision.
If both councils give the go ahead, Cumbria Combined Authority would become a legal body early in 2026. Leadership until mayoral elections in May 2027 would come from the two constituent authorities.
Council leader, Cllr Jonathan Brook, said: “It was good to hear such a wide range of views, not only on the principles of devolving power away from Westminster, but also on some of the specifics of how we could best make this work for Cumbria and our residents.
“Cabinet will reflect on this, and other feedback we have received from members, stakeholders and our residents before reaching a final decision next week.”
Councillors had opportunity to assess the latest information on the powers, responsibilities and funding that would be available to a new authority, including access to a Cumbrian Mayoral Investment Fund of £333 million over the next 30 years.
Councillors also noted recommendations from the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee for commitments to give councillors the power to hold the Mayor and MCA Cabinet to account and assurance that both councils will have an equal voice.
A new authority would have a range of powers, responsibilities and opportunities not available to individual local authorities. They would cover strategic, Cumbria-wide responsibilities on 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.
After a Mayoral election, and subject to further legislation, the authority would take over the powers and functions of the Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
A Mayor for Cumbria would also have a seat alongside other Mayors at the Council of Regions and Nations and the Great North Mayors’ group, bodies that will shape debates on energy, transport, rural growth and defence.