Councils agree to join Government’s Devolution journey in Cumbria
They've agreed to a programme which could see a new mayor elected
Plans for an elected mayor in Cumbria have taken a step forward.
Cabinet members for Westmorland and Furness Council agreed to join the government’s devolution priority programme at a council meeting on January 9 at Kendal Town Hall.
Cumberland Council Leader Councillor Mark Fryer has also signed a leader’s decision notice reaffirming his council’s desire to be part of the programme.
A government-led consultation process on the creation of a strategic mayoral authority will now take place with any final decision requiring council approval.
According to government timelines joining the programme could ultimately lead to mayoral elections in May 2026 and the creation of a new mayoral strategic authority for Cumbria.
The leader of Westmorland and Furness Council councillor Jonathan Brook, said:
“We are very much focused on achieving the best outcomes for the people we represent and today’s decision recognises the government’s intent to prioritise areas that are progressing with devolution.
“We look forward to continuing to work with colleagues on the best opportunities for this area and encourage local people to respond to the government’s consultation and will carefully consider local opinion when it comes to the final vote at our full council in the autumn.”
A report prepared for the cabinet meeting says the proposed new mayoral strategic authority would be in addition to the existing councils in Cumbria and intended to ‘strengthen capability and capacity’ at a regional level in a bid to drive economic growth.
The government has set out its intention to widen devolution across England, giving regions more powers and decision-making over matters such as economic development, transport, employment support, planning, and housing.
Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, added:
“We have made it clear that we want to be part of the devolution discussion with government. It is the best way to secure future investment in our area and secure the funding needed to support our communities and our economy.
“It is important that we are part of the plans at the early stages.”
The English Devolution White Paper is not final legislation and therefore there are ‘unknowns and uncertainties’ at this stage, council documents state.
The report adds:
“This brings risk to making decisions before all the facts are known. If cabinet choose to join the devolution priority programme, officers would work with the government to ensure all necessary information was available before a final decision to proceed, or not, with a mayoral strategic authority was taken by the council in the autumn.”
For the Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness areas, the council say it was made clear that Cumbria is the only devolved geography the government would consider at the current time.