Cumbria councils agree mayoral devolution plan

Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils have agreed the Combined Authority plan

Two councils have approved plans for a new mayor-led authority for Cumbria.

Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils gave their final consent to the government's devolution proposals, which would see the Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) established in early 2026.

The CCA will operate for one year without a mayor, before the region's first mayoral election in May 2027.

Leaders of both councils said the move would shift decision-making powers away from London to Cumbria.

The new authority would have access to powers and funding not available to the existing councils, including a Cumbrian Mayoral Investment Fund of £333m over the next 30 years, the councils said.

Cumbria would also have a voice at the Council of Regions and Nations and the Great North Mayors' group, which shape debates on energy, transport, rural growth and defence, the authorities added.

Council leaders Mark Fryer and Jonathan Brook say the move will shift decision-making powers from London

Both local authorities would still deliver the vast majority of local government services in their areas, but the CCA would look after transport plans, skills and employment support, housing and planning and tackling climate change.

Councillor Mark Fryer, Labour leader of Cumberland Council, said the new authority would give Cumbria "greater influence over issues we know matter most to our residents".

Meanwhile, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, Liberal Democrat councillor Jonathan Brook, said the devolution would provide "access to greater powers and resources" which would "help unlock the huge potential of the whole area".