Cumberland Council marks one year since investiture

The development of Cumberland council has been 'both and adventure and a journey', the authority said, with 'many achievements and challenges along the way'.

To mark its first anniversary, senior council leaders have expressed thanks to the 4,500 staff, partners and communities for their 'continued support' over the last 12 months.

Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, has shared his reflections of the year.

“As a new organisation, with a new plan and new ambitions, over the last 12 months, integrating four councils into one, stabilising the organisation so that essential services continued to be delivered effectively has been a top priority,” said Cllr Fryer.

Cllr Mark Fryer (Image: NQ)“Council officers and elected Members alike have embraced opportunities to do things differently, to think differently and to get closer to communities and really listen and respond to their local needs.

“At the heart of Cumberland Council's mission is a commitment to enhancing the health and wellbeing of our residents while striving to bring about positive outcomes for local communities.

“It’s been an incredibly busy year and one that I look back on with great pride.

“Pride in the work we’ve done within our communities and vast pride for our 4,500 employees who have worked tirelessly to continue to work, day in, day out to deliver fantastic services to the people of Cumberland.

“Despite the changes and challenges they have faced in coming together to work for a brand-new organisation, their dedication and loyalty towards delivery of our public services is exemplary."

Cumberland has faced its fair share of challenges over the past year, including financial ones. Research by the BBC Shared Data Unit has shown that Cumberland Council’s total amassed debt, by the second quarter of 2023/24, was £254,015,000.

With a population of 273,300, this equates to £929.44 per person and Cumberland has been forced to raise council tax by almost five per cent.

The council also had a bitter and long-running dispute with bin men in the former Allerdale district which lasted for three months.

Andrew Seekings, chief executive of Cumberland Council added: “One of the highlights for me over the last year has been the development of our Cumberland Council staff culture.

“In particular, how we’ve used our new values and behaviours to drive forward how we want the council to work.

“Whether staff had a whole career in one of our legacy organisations or have joined us a new recruit they have each played an instrumental part and contributed to our successes and I want to extend sincere thanks to each and every one of them.

“As I look back at the breadth and range of achievements over the year, I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved. From investing millions in our capital programme and regeneration schemes to providing 10p swims for Cumberland children and everything in between, it’s been quite a year.”