Local Government Reorganisation 2021
In October 2020 the UK Government conducted a consultation into local government reorganisation in three areas of England, including Cumbria.
The current local authorities were each invited to present their proposals. This resulted in 4 different submissions, 3 from groups of district authorities plus one from Cumbria County Council.
On 21 July 2021 the then Secretary of State for Local Government made a Statement to the House outlining the chosen solution. In essence both Cumbria County Council and the six District Councils are to be abolished, to be replaced by two Unitary Councils: East Cumbria and West Cumbria. East Cumbria will consist of the current district councils: Eden, South Lakeland, and Barrow.
The intention is that this new structure will be fully operational by 1 April 2023. Transitional arrangements will include elections for these new authorities in May 2022.