November 18, 2025

In my last blog (July 2025), I wrote about the Civil Society Covenant and what it could mean for Cumbrian voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations. Within that blog, I mentioned that there was talk of a potential devolution deal for Cumbria.

Well, since then things have progressed – and in October both Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils gave their final consent to the Government’s devolution proposals.

 

What is Devolution and How Will It Look in Cumbria?

Devolution is about shifting power and resources from national government to local areas, allowing people who know their communities best to decide where money is spent.

It’s important to stress that the two unitary authorities – Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils – will continue to deliver the vast majority of local government services in their areas, as they do now. These authorities are not closing.

There will, however, be an additional authority – the Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) – which will be established in early 2026. It will operate for a year without a Mayor, ahead of Cumbria’s first Mayoral election in May 2027.

The new authority will have defined areas of responsibility, set out in law, covering:

• 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
• Public safety

The new Mayor-led strategic authority will also have access to powers and funding not available to the two existing councils, including a Cumbrian Mayoral Investment Fund of £333 million over the next 30 years.

As Cumbria moves towards a new Mayoral Combined Authority, I’m hopeful this change will open up new and exciting opportunities for VCFSE organisations across the county.

 

The Potential Benefits of Devolution for Cumbria’s VCFSE Sector

1. Local Decisions that Reflect Local Needs

VCFSE organisations understand the unique challenges facing Cumbrian communities – from rural isolation and transport barriers to mental health and housing. Devolution means decisions about funding and priorities can be made closer to the people who experience these issues every day.

2. More Targeted Funding

A devolved approach allows for flexible, locally designed investment. Instead of competing for national pots that may not fit Cumbria’s needs, local leaders could direct resources to where they’ll have the biggest impact – including small, community-led groups.

3. Stronger Partnerships and Influence

Devolution often brings new structures for collaboration between councils, health services, private businesses and the VCFSE sector. This creates a platform for community organisations to have greater influence in shaping local strategies and services.

4. Joined-Up Support for Communities

Many local challenges overlap – health, skills, employment, and housing are deeply connected. Devolution could further help to bring together services and sectors more effectively and enable more holistic, person-centred support led by trusted community organisations.

5. A Chance to Shape the Future

Ultimately, I hope that devolution gives Cumbria’s VCFSE sector the opportunity to step into a stronger leadership role. With its deep local knowledge and community trust, the sector is key to ensuring devolution delivers real benefits for people and places across the county.

 

Next Steps

To learn more about where Cumbria is in its devolution journey, join us at our AGM on Wednesday 3rd December, 10am – 3pm, at the Civic Centre, Carlisle.

Our theme is “Devolution in Cumbria – What Could It Mean for the Voluntary and Community Sector?”

There will be presentations from both Councils and people with experience of devolution, plus workshops to share your thoughts on how the VCFSE sector could benefit. The information gathered will help form a manifesto for Cumbrian-based VCFSE organisations, shaping a collective vision to use when engaging with potential Mayoral candidates.

👉 Click here to book your place: Cumbria CVS AGM 2025

 

Bridget Johns
Operations Manager
Cumbria CVS