£10,000 spent on Carlisle Mayor Robe
The base robe cost £9,945, with an additional 25 per cent to add existing decoration
Last updated 21st Aug 2025
Savings could have been made by the Charter Trustees of Carlisle when deciding a new Mayoral robe and car, it has been claimed.
The committee, which aims to preserve the mayoral tradition for the people of Carlisle and consists of 12 members, met last month in the Civic Centre in Carlisle to consider the matter.
Regarding the mayoral robe, the committee’s options were: to replace like-for-like at a cost between £9,945, with an additional 25 per cent to add existing decoration, and £10,750, with an additional 25 per cent to add existing decoration; or a redesign with less decoration at a cost of approximately £5,000 and £10,000 dependent on decoration and material choice.
During the meeting it was decided that they should opt for a base cloth of black brocade, which was of a medium weight and reasonably durable, at a cost of £9,945, with an additional 25 per cent to add existing decoration, with the decision delegated to the Mayor to make the final decision on the purchase of the new robe.
Regarding the car, members agreed that an electric Mercedes EQE be leased subject to further price discussions with local providers and the final decision on the lease of the vehicle should be delegated to the Mayor.
However, Cumberland councillor Robert Betton (Botcherby, Independent), who is one of the charter trustees, has criticised the move and has claimed that opportunities to make savings were missed.
He said he was “appalled” to see the “squandering of taxpayers’ money” from the charter trustees’ budget for the robe when he believes the existing robe could have been refurbished at a lower cost.
Cllr Betton added: “It would have made more sense to consider and agree this option. I did some research, and a professional conservation and restoration textile robe service is around £150 per hour.
“This would incur professional cleaning of the black and gold embroidered Carlisle mayoral robe and the infilling and conservation of the golden decorative areas.
“I believe an estimated guess of this work including gold matched thread to be between 10 to 16 hours and with the clean and both threads to be around £3,000.”
He said there was no need for the expense of a second mayoral robe and added: “We should preserve the original robe and extend its life for many, many years to come.
“It can’t be put on display in a glass case, it’s meant to be used. Incidentally, there was no mention of the mayoral hat being conserved and restored or replaced as I recollect.”
Cllr Betton said there were also cheaper options for the car, rather than leasing a Mercedes, and added: “We must lead by example and show to the public we are trying to save money.”
He claimed that it would “wipe out” half of the committee’s budget. He said: “The mayor can travel in one of our pool car vehicles or their own vehicle to functions. They can even take the train or a bus to events and the ceremonial artifacts can be there for them on arrival.”
Cllr Jeanette Whalen (Yewdale, Labour), the Mayor of Carlisle speaking on behalf of the trustees, confirmed the items were discussed on July 16.
She added: “On the robe, trustees agreed to purchase a new one to replace the current one which is approximately 45 years old and damaged. Due to its age, fragility and type of material it is not possible to repair it further.
“Trustees agreed to purchase the cheapest like-for-like robe to preserve its unique pattern and history, subject to further information being provided on the environmental impact and sustainability of the material choices. This will come in at a cost of a £9,945, plus costs for decoration.
“In regard to the mayoral car, trustees had previously agreed to terminate the contract for a lease car as it was not fit for purpose, namely due to significant repairs that were required.
“At the meeting, trustees heard a number of options and agreed to explore the lease of an electric vehicle, subject to further price discussions with local providers.
“A specific mayoral car is required as the Charter Trustees of the City of Carlisle do not have access to a pool car and public transport is not feasible due to a number of reasons, including the time and location of events often attended by the Mayor/Deputy Mayor and the need to safely and securely transport the highly valuable mayoral regalia.”
While the membership of the Charter Trustees of Carlisle is made up of Cumberland councillors, it is a separate entity to the local authority. However, the council does provide some administrative support. They are not referred to or acting as Cumberland councillors, but rather as trustees.
The charter trustees is a non-political body with the primary objective being to maintain and promote the historic and ceremonial traditions for the area, for example the role of the Mayor of Carlisle.
The committee’s funding comes from a precept paid by council taxpayers in Carlisle, in a similar manner to how parish/town councils are funded.