Establishing a Mayoral Combined Authority
across Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness
Topic of this consultation:
This consultation seeks views on a proposal to form a Mayoral Combined Authority for the
local government areas of Cumberland Council and Westmorland Furness Council
(referred to as Cumbria in this consultation).
In December 2024, the government published the English Devolution White Paper. This
sets out plans to move power out of Westminster and back to local communities, ensuring
that every part of England is covered by devolution. The local council leaders from
Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council have since written to
government expressing their interest in taking forward devolution within their area through
the establishment of a Mayoral Combined Authority, with the first election for a Mayor
taking place in May 2026. Before taking a decision on whether to proceed with the making
of the necessary legislation, the government is seeking views from interested parties,
including those who live and work in the area.
Scope of this consultation:
This consultation seeks views, particularly from interested parties, including those who live
and work across Cumbria, on the effect of establishing a Mayoral Combined Authority in
the area. It includes questions on the proposed geography and how the Combined
Authority will make decisions, together with questions on the effects of working across this
geography through a Mayoral Combined Authority.
In some parts of the country, there may be proposals for reorganisation of existing
councils. This is a separate process and is not covered by this consultation.
