Councillors endorse ‘minded to’ consent to devolution resolution

Councillors in the present day took one other step in direction of the organising of a brand new Mayor-led authority for Cumbria.

Westmorland and Furness councillors voted to endorse an earlier resolution of the council’s Cabinet that it was ‘minded to’ consent to devolution.

The vote at a gathering of the council in the present day at Kendal Town Hall is one other transfer in direction of the institution of a Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) for Cumbria with new powers and funding devolved to it from central Government.

Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet will now make a closing resolution on consent on 14 October, the identical day that Cumberland Council is about to announce its resolution.

If each councils give the go forward, Cumbria Combined Authority would change into a authorized physique early in 2026. Leadership till mayoral elections in May 2027 would come from the 2 constituent authorities.

Council chief, Cllr Jonathan Brook, mentioned: “It was good to hear such a wide range of views, not only on the principles of devolving power away from Westminster, but also on some of the specifics of how we could best make this work for Cumbria and our residents.

“Cabinet will reflect on this, and other feedback we have received from members, stakeholders and our residents before reaching a final decision next week.”

Councillors had alternative to evaluate the newest data on the powers, tasks and funding that may be out there to a brand new authority, together with entry to a Cumbrian Mayoral Investment Fund of £333 million over the following 30 years.

Councillors additionally famous suggestions from the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee for commitments to present councillors the facility to carry the Mayor and MCA Cabinet to account and assurance that each councils may have an equal voice.

A brand new authority would have a variety of powers, tasks and alternatives not out there to particular person native authorities. They would cowl strategic, Cumbria-wide tasks on transport and native infrastructure; expertise and employment assist; housing and strategic planning; financial growth and regeneration; atmosphere and local weather change; well being, wellbeing and public service reform and public security.

After a Mayoral election, and topic to additional laws, the authority would take over the powers and capabilities of the Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

A Mayor for Cumbria would even have a seat alongside different Mayors on the Council of Regions and Nations and the Great North Mayors’ group, our bodies that may form debates on vitality, transport, rural progress and defence.

Link to agenda and papers for Council meeting of 9 October.