New combined authority 'to bring positive change'

2 hours ago

Jonny ManningNorth East and Cumbria

News image — The Cumbria Combined Authority has officially been created

PA Media A stock image of a ballot box arriving during the count, carried by a person wearing a hi-vis vest. — The Cumbria Combined Authority has officially been created

A county now has the means to make a "positive change" for communities following the creation of a new combined authority, according to its proposed CEO.

Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) has formally been established following the making of a piece of secondary legislation, known as a government statutory instrument (SI), on Monday.

Moving to a combined authority will unlock £333m in additional investment over the next 30 years and give the region devolved powers in areas such as transport, economic development, employment and housing.

The CCA's proposed chief executive John Barradell said the authority's creation would "open up" opportunities for the region.

"The combined authority gives us the means to make a real difference, and I'm determined to turn that collective energy into positive change for communities across Cumbria," he said.

The CCA will be led by members of Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council during its first year, until a mayor is elected in May 2027.

Two images of Mark Fryer and Jonathan Brook side by side. Fryer has short, grey hair and is squinting at the camera. He is wearing a blue shirt and standing outside. On the right, Brook has grey short hair and is wearing glasses. He is wearing a dark blue coat shirt and tie. — Council leaders Mark Fryer and Jonathan Brook will jointly lead the combined authority until a mayor is elected

The leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, Jonathan Brook, said the combined authority could now focus on "delivering improvements that matter most to local people and communities".

Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: "After months of preparation, we are ready to move forward on the things that will make a real difference: from better transport and skills, to support for local businesses."

The new authority will meet for the first time at Redhills in Penrith on 18 March and members will begin setting out its early priorities.

Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities Miatta Fahnbulleh said the devolution deal would give local leaders the "tools, funding and freedom" to "create new jobs, improve transport and enhance the local skills offer for their communities".

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