Local Government Reorganisation
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: Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness.
Westmorland & Furness
The ‘Westmorland & Furness’ unitary authority will encompass the current district councils: Eden, South Lakeland, and Barrow. The intention is that this new body will be fully operational by 1 April 2023.
Meanwhile, 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 |
For one year (until April 2023) the ‘Shadow Authority’ that will oversee the planning and preparation for the new unitary council, followed by four years on the new Westmorland and Furness Council.
Further details of the new authority may be found on their website: ‘Shadow Authority for Westmorland & Furness‘.
