Local Government Reorganisation
In October 2020 the UK Government conducted a consultation into local government reorganisation in three areas of England, including Cumbria.
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 were to be abolished, to be replaced by two Unitary Councils: Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness.
Westmorland & Furness Council
The new ‘Westmorland & Furness’ unitary authority encompasses three old district councils: Eden (EDC), South Lakeland, and Barrow. It also takes on areas of responsibility previously handled by the Cumbria County Council.
Elections to the new council were held in May 2022.
| Party | Seats |
|---|---|
| Conservative Party | 11 |
| Green Party | 1 |
| Independent | 2 |
| Labour Party | 15 |
| Liberal Democrats | 36 |
| Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition | 0 |
The new council became fully operational on 1 April 2023.
Further details of the new authority may be found on their website: ‘Westmorland & Furness Council‘.
Eden Community Development Team & Locality Board
These groups within Westmorland & Furness Council concentrate their activity on the old Eden District Council area.
”The Eden Community Development Team works with residents and community groups based in Eden to deliver community engagement activities that help you speak up about the issues that matter to you.”
More details, including contact information may be found here.
The Community Development Team work alongside the “Eden Locality Board” – a committee of councillors who represent residents on the old EDC geographic area.
