CARLISLE’S MP could propose that Government is given powers to impose devolution in an area where one side of the talks is showing reluctance but the majority are willing.

Member of Parliament for Carlisle, John Stevenson has said he intends to propose an amendment to the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill which would give Government the ability to push devolution through.

Devolution sees two areas form a Combined Authority, affording them more powers of decision-making at a local level.

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Councils would be able to focus on daily responsibilities while a Combined Authority handles strategic thinking, economic development and transport functions.  

A Mayoral Authority could also be created. The mayor would lead strategic work between police and fire whilst driving investment.

Ambitions are held amongst some to see a Mayor of Cumbria with a deal between the new Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council.

Mr Stevenson said: “It’s up to Government at the end of the day but I can’t see anything wrong with it, all it’s doing is making a reserve power.

“There’s strong business support in Cumbria for a Combined Mayoral Authority. Andy Burnham seems to be delivering in Manchester, you’ve got Ben Houchen in Tees Valley, you’re already seeing examples of it happening and there’s a danger of Cumbria being left behind.”

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Mr Stevenson said that the powers would be discretionary but mean that where an area is predominantly in favour, it would not be “held hostage” by one reluctant party.

But Cumberland Council’s deputy leader Lisa Brown said: “I think under current conditions, any suggestion Government could come along and impose anything on Cumbria, it’s going to be a red flag.”

She stressed that devolution deals are by request and that powers for Government to impose them would not be appropriate.

“We need to do things from the bottom up, not the top down. We’ll consider anything that’s put to us at the right time.”

Cllr Brown said officers are “at capacity” as they handle local government reorganisation.

“It doesn’t mean we don’t welcome investment just because we’re asking for breathing space.”

Councillor Brown questioned whether a devolution deal would be significant if offered during this period of economic uncertainty.

While a devolution deal has not been tabled, the leadership of Westmorland & Furness Council has not supported the idea of a Cumbria Combined Authority.

Westmorland & Furness Council leader Jonathan Brook told the Northern Agenda Podcast this month that his area may feel a union with Lancashire makes more sense.

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