A major milestone in Cumbria’s devolution journey has been reached, with the Government formally laying the Statutory Instrument in Parliament to create the Cumbria Combined Authority.
This is the final legislative step before the new Mayoral Combined Authority is officially established early next year.
The move will pave the way for Cumbria’s first Mayoral election in May 2027, giving the region a directly elected local leader for the first time and bringing a significant shift in how decisions about the area are made.
Under the devolution deal, Cumbria will receive at least £333 million over the next three decades, alongside the ability to bid for additional Mayoral Investment Funds. This long‑term funding will help unlock critical infrastructure projects – including key rail and road upgrades – aimed at improving connectivity, supporting jobs and driving economic growth.
The new Combined Authority will be granted powers previously held at national level, giving Cumbria greater control over decisions that shape local services and long‑term planning. These powers include the ability to:
- Develop a single integrated transport plan for Cumbria, improving local public transport and regional connectivity.
- Lead regeneration and housing programmes tailored to community needs.
- Strengthen environmental resilience and sustainability, supporting adaptation across local communities.
- Invest in skills, training and workforce development aligned with employer demand to create more routes into well‑paid jobs.
Westmorland and Furness Council Leader Cllr Jonathan Brook said:
“This is a significant step towards establishing a combined authority. This will help secure additional funds and powers for Cumbria, that would not have been available to the two councils alone.
“We continue to discuss with government, what further benefits devolution can offer residents, communities and businesses.”
Through representation on the Council of Nations and Regions, Cumbria’s future mayor will ensure that local priorities – especially around energy, transport infrastructure and regeneration – are represented in national government decision‑making.
Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, added:
"This is a historic moment for Cumbria. Devolution will deliver more investment for residents’ priorities, including funding for improved infrastructure, and will mean decisions are made closer to the people they affect.”
With the legal process now nearing completion, local leaders say the new Combined Authority represents a significant opportunity to secure long‑term investment, drive growth and deliver decisions that better reflect local priorities.
Image credit: iStock
