RESPONSIBILITY for the Connecting Cumbria initiative is set to be transferred to the newly formed Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) next week.
Members of Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness council’s joint executive committee, which is currently responsible for it, are due to approve the transfer at The Civic Centre, Carlisle, on Monday (July 20).
According to the report the Connecting Cumbria service leads delivery of the Cumbria Digital Infrastructure Strategy 2026-2030, and it states: “The service is currently hosted by Cumberland Council on a long-term basis.”
It is recommended that the committee agrees to the transfer of the service, to include all functions, branding, website and web domain, to the CCA.
The report states that Cumbria’s two unitary councils are currently collaborating to ensure effective coordination of strategic functions across the region.
It adds: “Connecting Cumbria works on behalf of both unitary councils to deliver the Cumbria Digital Infrastructure Strategy 2026-2030 and its action plan.
“Digital infrastructure is a critically important enabler for economic development, new models for public service delivery and resilience thus align strongly with several of the CCA’s responsibilities.”
According to the report The Cumbria Digital Infrastructure Strategy 2026-2030 is focused on three strategic objectives:
- Cumbria to catch up with and keep in step with UK levels of connectivity with no one and no place left behind. Supporting resilient connectivity for people while at home, at work or on the move;
- Connectivity to support the delivery of innovative, inclusive and effective services across all departments of both Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council, creating the conditions for greater use of smart services and Artificial Intelligence (AI); and
- Deliver the connectivity to enhance business productivity, encouraging investment into the county, and to allow Cumbria to secure and retain globally excellent digital activity into the future.
And, according to the report, the action plan has been developed within the digital infrastructure strategy’s activities and is split into four themes: making Cumbria’s voice heard; supporting and monitoring investment; delivery of intervention; and research and futureproofing.
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