Question 6: To what extent do you agree or disagree that working across the proposed geography through a Mayoral Combined Authority will improve the local natural environment and overall national environment?
Answer: Strongly agree
Please explain your answer.
Cumbria’s natural capital is a vital national economic asset. Our landscapes and nature, our strengths in the generation of clean and green energy, our water resources which provide water for Manchester, and our agriculture and agri-tech sectors are unique and world-class. These assets also play a key role in attracting 41 million visitors a year to Cumbria.
More DEFRA engagement in the devolution framework is something it would be useful to explore. This could help realise more benefit from devolution in relation to the natural environment. The natural environment and our agriculture and food production sectors are key elements of the local economy. Holding some more of the levers in these areas to support these sectors to grow is important, as is an ongoing dialogue with DEFRA on these issues.
An MCA in Cumbria provides an opportunity for better, more joined up strategic thinking on a range of issues which impact on the natural environment, including issues such as nature renewal and net zero. Engagement through the MCA in forums such as Nature North provide opportunities for greater influence and contributions at regional and national level.
A Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy is already being developed and an MCA provides a robust vehicle for progressing collaboration on this.
Collaboration through the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership, with a commitment to work towards Net Zero by 2037, could be enhanced through strengthened strategic decision-making through the MCA.