This week marked a new era in local government in Cumbria, with the first days of operation for the new Cumberland Council.
On 1 April 2023, the new council took over responsibility for all services in the area previously served by Allerdale Borough Council, Carlisle City Council, Copeland Borough Council and Cumbria County Council.
The changes mean that there is now one main customer service contact number for council services. This is 0300 373 3730. Residents can find information about all council services at www.cumberland.gov.uk. The new website also includes links to the websites of the former councils whilst services are harmonised in the coming months.
To keep up to date with the latest information on the new council, residents are encouraged to find and follow it on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. The council is also on Nextdoor.
They can also get the latest news sent direct to their email inbox by signing up to the council's email newsletters at www.cumberland.gov.uk/signup .
To mark the first days of operation, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Fryer and Chief Executive Andrew Seekings joined staff out and about in Carlisle, Whitehaven and Workington, helping the highways and street cleaning crews.
Speaking on the changes, Cllr Fryer said, "We've all been waiting for this moment for many months and it is really exciting times. It has been great to be out with the staff this weekend, and I know everyone at Cumberland Council is really keen to get on with the job of delivering on our promise to improve the health and wellbeing of the residents of the Cumberland area.
"I'd also encourage everyone to sign up to the email newsletters and follow us on social media, so that they can keep up to date with the latest news."
“Residents are reminded that due to the changes, those who usually pay their council tax by direct debit on the first day of the month will see their payment made on the 6th day in April only. All future payments will revert back to the first day of the month.
“Those who pay using a standing order are advised to check the back of their bill as they may have to amend their bank details. Old bank details will continue to work, so people will not miss making payments. However, the council will be writing to anyone still using the old bank account information in the coming months.”