On 01 April 2023, significant structural changes were made to local authorities in Cumbria, where all six district and county level authorities were replaced by two new unitary authorities.
Cumberland Council’s operating area replaces the legacy Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland councils, and the new council area borders Cumbria’s other unitary authority (Westmorland & Furness Council), as well as Scotland and Northumberland.
This is the biggest change affecting local government services in Cumbria; the impact of change to date has led to significant challenges in maintaining the delivery of essential frontline support services and moving forward with alignment, reshape and harmonisation of all council services.
One of the key benefits of bringing council functions together following LGR is that it provides an opportunity for stronger, joined-up services between Housing, Children’s Services and Adult Social Care. Links have developed and strengthened since the inception of Cumberland Council, especially in the allocation of supported living accommodation. Previously allocations were made by one authority but not integrated with statutory functions delivered by the district councils.
The geographical area of Cumberland Council and its 14 key services include:
- Aspatria
- Brampton
- Carlisle
- Cleator Moor
- Cockermouth
- Dalston
- Egremont
- Keswick
- Longtown
- Maryport
- Millom
- Silloth
- Whitehaven
- Wigton
- Workington
To align with the new Cumberland Council Local Plan, each housing study reported the data at sub-area level. There are a total of eight sub-areas, two of which cover the Lake District National Park (LDNP). Information is also reported down to parish level.
The sub-areas across Cumberland are:
- Carlisle City
- Lakeland Fringe
- LDNP - North Lakes (West)
- LDNP - West Lakes
- Millom
- Rural Carlisle
- Solway Coast to Lakes
- West Cumbria