On 08 July 2025 Cumberland Council resolved to commence a community governance review (CGR) to amend the electoral arrangements for several parish councils in the ex-Carlisle City Council area.
This CGR is to align the scheduled election dates of these parishes with the scheduled election dates for Cumberland Council and all other town/parish elections.
The parish councils subject to this review are:
- Dalston Parish Council
- Brampton Parish Council
- Carlatton and Cumrew Parish Council
- Castle Carrock Parish Council
- Cumwhitton Parish Council
- Hayton Parish Council
- Wetheral Parish Council
The reason for this proposal is that changing the election cycle to match that of Cumberland Council can save considerable money for parish councils, who will then all share their election dates, and makes the democratic process easier and more accessible for electors.
Draft recommendations
1. Parish councils with elections in 2026
For parish councils whose next scheduled elections are taking place in 2026, the elections in 2026 would be cancelled and the terms of office of sitting councillors extended by one year.
The next scheduled elections will then take place in 2027 and four-yearly thereafter to coincide with those of Cumberland Council.
The affected parish is:
- Dalston Parish Council
2. Parish councils with elections in 2027
For parish and town councils whose next scheduled elections are taking place in 2027, there will be no changes.
The next scheduled elections will take place in 2027 and four-yearly thereafter to coincide with those of Cumberland Council.
3. Parish councils with elections in 2028
For parish councils whose next scheduled elections are taking place in 2028, the elections in 2028 will be cancelled and the terms of office of sitting councillors shortened by one year.
The next scheduled elections will then take place in 2027 and four-yearly thereafter to coincide with those of Cumberland Council.
The affected parishes are:
- Brampton Parish Council
- Carlatton and Cumrew Parish Council
- Castle Carrock Parish Council
- Cumwhitton Parish Council
- Hayton Parish Council
- Wetheral Parish Council
Consultation
The consultation will run from 28 July 2025 to 8 September 2025.
To take part in the consultation, visit the Let's Talk Cumberland website.
For alternative copies of the consultation, contact Electoral Services.
Email: elections@cumberland.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 373 3730