Asset management

This section shows how we comply with the 2026 to 2027 Local Highways Maintenance Incentive Funding Requirements. These requirements were set out in a letter issued to local authority Chief Executives in April and published online.

The strategy was last reviewed and updated on 24 June 2026.

We developed our first Highway Asset Management Strategy in August 2023, shortly after Cumberland Council was established. In 2025 to 2026, we commissioned AECOM to produce an independent Highway Asset Management Strategy and Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Plan. Approved by the Highways Board in July 2026, these documents help guide investment, maintenance priorities and long-term management of the highway network.

The HIAMP provides a framework for managing highway assets, including lifecycle planning, risk-based investment, maintenance priorities and performance monitoring. It supports long-term planning and helps ensure we continue to meet the requirements of the Department for Transport's Local Highways Maintenance Transparency Code.

Asset data

More information about asset data

Following local government reorganisation in 2023, we brought together highway asset information from the former Cumbria County Council, Carlisle City Council, Allerdale Borough Council and Copeland Borough Council. We are continuing to consolidate footway and cycleway data to create a complete inventory.

We maintain detailed asset and condition records for:

• roads, supported by more than 20 years of condition data
• structures, including bridges and retaining walls
• street lighting
• traffic signals
• drainage assets, managed through Kaarbontech

We continue to collect and update asset information to improve the quality and completeness of our records and support effective maintenance planning.

Asset data integration and management

This section explains how we manage and use asset data to support maintenance planning, investment decisions and long-term management of the highway network.

We use an integrated asset management system to store and manage highway information across the service. This is supported by a range of connected systems and mapping tools that improve data sharing, reporting and decision-making.

We continue to invest in technology to improve the quality and accessibility of asset data, including:

• collecting and managing asset information in a single system
• using mapping tools to support planning and maintenance decisions
• improving data sharing across highway services
• using network-wide condition and asset data to support risk-based investment and maintenance planning

This helps us make informed decisions, target investment where it is needed most and manage the highway network more effectively.

Lifecycle planning and investment decision making

This section explains how we use lifecycle planning to support maintenance investment decisions. This helps ensure investment is based on long-term asset needs rather than only reactive demand or short-term pressures.

We use lifecycle plans to support investment decisions for roads.

Evidence summary

We use condition data, inspections and asset records to identify the most appropriate maintenance treatment and prioritise investment across the highway network.

When planning works, we assess road condition and compare treatment options to ensure repairs provide the best long-term value. Our scheme management system helps us prioritise maintenance based on need, risk and network condition, supported by feedback from delivery teams.

We also use a risk-based approach to manage footways and structures, drawing on condition surveys, inspections and asset information to target investment where it is needed most.

This helps ensure maintenance decisions are consistent, evidence-based and aligned with the needs of the highway network.

Performance monitoring and continuous improvement

We have a defined set of key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the outcomes of our highways asset management approach.

These KPIs reviewed on a regular basis.

We use KPI trends to inform:

• maintenance planning
• prioritisation
• changes to forward programmes
• investment decisions

We have reviewed our service for value for money in the last three years.

Evidence summary

Performance measures and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are set out in Annex B of the Cumberland Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan (HIAMP) 2026 to 2028. 

These KPIs have been developed using established performance measures, including those reported annually through the National Highways and Transport (NHT) Performance Management Framework.

To support continuous improvement, we:

• regularly review how maintenance schemes are planned and delivered
• benchmark our performance against other highway authorities
• take part in regional peer groups to share knowledge and best practice
• use independent reviews and peer reviews to identify opportunities for improvement

This helps us improve service delivery, make informed decisions and ensure investment is targeted where it will have the greatest benefit.