Cumbria Combined Authority Officially Came into Existence Today

The new Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) has now been formally created following the making of the Government’s Statutory Instrument (SI).

The Statutory Instrument that sets in legislation the creation of the new authroty was made yesterday afternoon (Monday 23rd February), meaning the authority formally came into existence today (Tuesday 24th February ). This marks a major milestone after months of detailed work to prepare for the new organisation.

The CCA will form a new partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council to focus on practical improvements for people, including better transport, more job and skills opportunities, and long‑term investment in Cumbria’s towns, villages and local economy.

The first official meeting of the new authority will take place at Redhills in Penrith on March 18, when members will begin setting out the early priorities and key decisions for the months ahead.

For its first year, the combined authority will be jointly led by the leaders of the two constituent councils. This arrangement will remain in place until May 2027, when Cumbria will elect its first Mayor.

Moving to a combined authority will unlock at least £333 million in additional long‑term investment over the next 30 years, as well as new devolved powers from national government.

These funds and powers are only available through a devolution deal, which requires both a combined authority and a directly elected Mayor. Without devolution, Cumbria would not have access to this scale of investment or these powers.

Minister for Devolution, Minister Fahnbulleh, said: "This is a proud day for Cumbria, and a clear sign that our devolution agenda is delivering real change in communities across England.

“By bringing together local leaders with new powers and long-term investment, we're giving Cumbria the tools to shape its own future - from better transport and skills to a stronger local economy. 

“I look forward to seeing the Combined Authority hit the ground running and working together as Cumbria moves towards electing its first Mayor in 2027."

John Barradell, proposed Interim Chief Executive of Cumbria Combined Authority, said: “The creation of the combined authority is a major step forward for Cumbria, and I’m excited about the opportunities it opens up.

“We’ve already seen a strong shared commitment to improving outcomes for residents, and what inspires me most is the belief across the county in what we can achieve together.

“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.”

Cllr Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council and joint leader of Cumbria Combined Authority, said: “This is a significant moment for Cumbria.

“Over recent months we’ve been laying the groundwork so the Combined Authority can get off to a strong start. Now that it has been formally created, we can focus on delivering improvements that matter most to local people and communities.”

Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council and Joint Leader of Cumbria Combined Authority, said: “The creation of the Combined Authority gives us a united, countywide voice and the opportunity to secure the investment Cumbria deserves.

“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.”