Cumbria is set to gain greater powers and funding after councillors in both Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness gave final approval to the Government’s devolution proposals.
The agreement will create the Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA), a new Mayor-led strategic body unlocking a £333m Mayoral Investment Fund over 30 years to support economic growth, transport, skills, and housing.
The CCA will be established in early 2026, with the first mayoral election scheduled for May 2027.
Council leaders said the deal marks a major shift in decision-making from Whitehall to Cumbria. Cllr Mark Fryer called it a ‘forward-looking’ step to seize new opportunities, while Cllr Jonathan Brook said devolution would ‘unlock the huge potential’ of the region.
Curious about local government reorganisation and what it means for your area? Read our explainer ?? Local Government Reorganisation: What It Means and Why It Matters.
