THE GOVERNMENT has said that Cumbria WILL continue to exist as a ceremonial boundary after county changes, despite a minister’s letter stating: “the county of Cumbria will be abolished.”

Cumbria is currently undergoing a once in a generation overhaul of its local government hierarchy.

Central Government’s plans to pass more decision-making powers to local leaders involve the reorganisation of regions like Cumbria.

In our county, it will see all seven councils abolished by 2023, and replaced by two larger unitary authorities.

Cumberland Council will be created to govern Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland collectively.

Westmorland & Furness Council will become the single local authority in Eden, South Lakeland and Barrow-in-Furness.

The Structural Change Order, giving the UK Government authority to split the county into two constituencies, was approved by the House of Lords last week.

A letter from Levelling-Up minister Kemi Badenoch MP was sent to council leaders on Thursday, confirming that the restructure is now underway.

Her letter reads: “The Order provides for the establishment of two new unitary councils for Cumbria – Cumberland, and Westmorland and Furness - to deliver high quality sustainable local services across the county area along with effective leadership at both strategic and local levels.

“The Order also makes provision for the transition to the new unitary councils, which will become fully operational on April 1, 2023. On that date all the existing Cumbria councils will be wound up and dissolved and the six existing Cumbria districts and the county of Cumbria will be abolished.”

When asked to clarify the meaning of the final statement, the Department for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities said that Cumbria will continue to exist “as a ceremonial boundary.”

A spokesman said: “The Order ensures there is no change to the ceremonial county of Cumbria; the roles and responsibilities of the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of the county of Cumbria are unaltered.

“The Order contains powers for the shadow authorities to be able to do necessary preparatory work towards the establishment of a combined authority for Cumbria if they so wish. This will be a decision for the new councils once established.  A mayor of a combined authority would be elected by voters for the area concerned.”

Mayor of Copeland Mike Starkie said that the general public would not mind the abolition of Cumbria as a Local authority area when they see “what’s on offer” in devolution.

Leader of Eden District Council Virginia Taylor said: “I think it’s going to be a long time before people stop using the name Cumbria around here but of course that was an invention before 1974.”

Local government reorganisation took place in the region in 1974 when the county of Cumbria was created from Cumberland, Westmorland and part of Lancashire.

Councillor Taylor said: “For people who don’t have a connection with local government it’s probably just passed them by because it doesn’t seem to be important if you can reassure people that all the services going to continue.”