MEMBERS of Cumberland Council's executive committee have agreed that Cumbria should have a Mayoral Combined Authority at a meeting in Carlisle today (Tuesday, October 14).
And members of Westmorland & Furness Council's cabinet were expected to also agree the move at a meeting at Kendal Town Hall after councillors from Westmorland & Furness Council last week voted to endorse the cabinet's position that it is "minded to" consent to devolution.
Members of Cumberland Council's executive met today at Cumbria House where the matter was debated following last week's meeting of the full council and they considered councillors views and comments from that meeting.
Councillor Mark Fryer (St Johns and Great Clifton, Labour), the leader of the council, said concerns were raised relating to democracy and the level of public support for devolution as well as placing devolved powers into the hands of one individual. He added: "In my view, I don't see devolution as another level of bureaucracy."
He said it followed a year of working jointly with Westmorland & Furness Council and the move would bring powers to Cumbria from Whitehall. He added: "It's about taking more powers locally."
According to the report devolved powers would include: transport and local infrastructure; skills and employment support; housing and strategic planning; economic development and regeneration; environment and climate change; health, wellbeing and public service reform; and public safety.
Cllr Fryer said there would be a mayoral election in May 2027, which will coincide with the council elections, and the benefits of a Mayoral Combined Authority outweighed the risks.
He moved the four recommendations, which outlined the next steps, and he was seconded by councillor Chris Southward (Denton Holme, Labour), the digital connectivity and security portfolio holder, who said it was important to keep communicating with the public and he supported the move. He added: "I'm all for it."
Councillor Justin McDermott (Harraby North, Labour), the public health and communities portfolio holder, said it was a "massive opportunity" for the county and councillor Denise Rollo (Harrington, Labour), the sustainable, resilient and connected places portfolio holder, added that it would unlock funding from central government.
And councillor Elaine Lynch (Wigton, Labour), the lifelong learning and development portfolio holder, said it was giving local people more power and added: "This is bringing government into the 21st Century."
Councillor Bob Kelly (Millom, Labour), the environment and planning portfolio holder, said he supported the move, but there were a lot of concerns, but it was an opportunity to use powers in Cumbria.
And, councillor Barbara Cannon (St Michaels, Labour), the financial planning and assets portfolio holder, said it was not just about decision making and added: "It's the money that comes with it."
According to the report there would be Government funding totalling £333 million available for a 30-year Mayoral Investment Fund.
However, councillor Anne Quilter (Morton, Labour), the vibrant and healthy places portfolio holder, said people were concerned about the cost and councillor Lisa Hinton (Currock, Labour), the deputy leader and adult social care portfolio holder, said if they did not approve the move there was a danger of Cumbria being left behind.
Cllr Fryer said that if the negatives outweighed the positives he would not support it and, when it was put to the vote it was unanimously agreed.