Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet members have confirmed they are ‘minded to consent’ to the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority for Cumbria, marking a major step toward devolving new powers and unlocking multi-million pound investment over the next 30 years.
Meeting at Kendal Town Hall, the Cabinet considered the Government’s assessment that a mayoral authority would improve economic, social and environmental wellbeing across the region. They also reviewed consultation feedback and details of the proposed powers and funding.
The recommendation will now be scrutinised by the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee and debated at a Full Council meeting. Final consent from Westmorland and Furness and Cumberland Councils is expected on 14 October. If approved, the Cumbria Combined Authority would be legally established in early 2026, with leadership shared between the two councils until mayoral elections in May 2027.
The new authority would take on strategic responsibilities across Cumbria, including:
- Transport and infrastructure
- Skills and employment support
- Housing and planning
- Economic development and regeneration
- Environment and climate change
- Health, wellbeing and public service reform
- Public safety
Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said:
“This is clearly a very important step and, having weighed up all the available evidence, we believe that establishing a Mayoral Combined Authority would be in the best interests of our residents, communities and businesses – and ensure that Cumbria is not left behind when it comes to investment.
“Moving decision-making away from Westminster and closer to the people whose lives those decisions will affect is a very positive step and one we welcome. We are also mindful that Cumbria must have a seat alongside other areas of the north on important national forums if the ambitions we have for a better, stronger, more inclusive economic future for all are to be realised.
“The sooner we have a combined authority, the sooner we will get the benefits, not just of a MCA, and a seat at various regional and national bodies, but we will move more quickly towards additional powers reserved for an established authority.
“We have been given the opportunity, of a year to prepare and to shape things and make use of funds and MCA staff, to undertake much of the preparatory work. This will be lost, if we say no.
“Government have indicated that they are open to further discussions on finance and we know that the funding on offer, is a floor rather than the ceiling.”
Following the mayoral election, the authority would also absorb the powers of the Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, streamlining governance and enhancing accountability.
A Mayor for Cumbria would join national forums such as the Council of Regions and Nations and the Great North Mayors’ Group, helping shape policy on energy, transport, rural growth and defence.
This move aligns with the Government’s wider devolution agenda, aiming to empower local communities, drive regional growth, and ensure decisions are made closer to the people they affect.
Image credit: iStock
