MARK Jenkinson MP has urged the leaders of Cumbria’s two new councils to seek a lucrative ‘devolution deal’ with Government immediately.
The move could see the introduction of elected mayor with oversight of Cumbria’s two new unitary authorities which go live in April following local government reform.
Other local authorities across the country have already agreed to similar arrangements which see more power concentrated in the hands of local communities.
Mark Jenkinson MP said: “This is a fantastic opportunity, and I would not want to see Cumbria miss out by not acting on this quickly. leaders of Cumbria’s two new unitary councils must act swiftly and decisively to prevent our county getting left behind.
“The Secretary of State’s door is open. Now is not the time for procrastination.
“Other local authority areas including North Yorkshire, which will only vest as a unitary authority on the same day as Cumberland, were quick out of the blocks – and it has already indicated that it is minded to agree a significant devolution package worth £18 million a year, plus a further £13m over the next two years.
“The creation of the unitary council you will lead from April need not be the end of local government reform: it is simply a milestone in the process. A devolution deal is the ultimate prize.”
Mr Jenkinson has this week written separately to both Councillor Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Shadow Authority, and Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader Westmorland and Furness Shadow Authority, urging them to open talks as soon as possible.
He has also indicated his willingness to work closely with both leaders to help them make progress on the deal.
Just last month the Levelling Up Secretary announced an historic devolution deal for North East that will see a new elected mayor given fresh money and powers to level up the region.
This included a £1.4 billion investment fund, allowing the new Mayor of North East to level up Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and County Durham. As you may know, the North East is the sixth area to agree a deal of this kind with the Government last year.
North Yorkshire’s emerging deal includes £18m per year investment funding for 30 years, to drive growth and take forward the authority’s priorities, follows intense but fruitful negotiations.
It also includes £13m over the next two years for the building of new homes on brownfield land.
That is alongside new powers improve and integrate local transport, powers to better shape local skills provision and to drive regeneration.
The elected Mayor there will also assume the powers of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, as well as integrating the Local Enterprise Partnership to ensure truly joined-up leadership.
In his letter, Mark said
These deals will bring new investment and powers to local leaders – and I think we should be no less ambitious in our vision for Cumbria.
A devolution deal of this kind would amplify Cumbria’s voice at the top table, giving the two unitary councils the power and the wherewithal to effect positive and meaningful change.
After all, who better to understand the unique challenges facing our region than the people who live and work here?
