RESPONSIBILITY for the Connecting Cumbria initiative is set to be transferred to the newly formed Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) after the move was agreed on Monday (July 20).
Members of Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness council’s joint executive committee, which is currently responsible for it, approved the transfer at The Civic Centre, Carlisle – it is understood the CCA will still need to approve acceptance.
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.”
Speaking at Monday’s meeting Darren Crossley, Cumberland Council’s director of place and economy and the lead officer, told members that Connecting Cumbria was part of Cumbria County Council for many years and it was responsible for delivering a number of Government backed schemes.
It was recommended that members agreed to the transfer and delegate authority to senior officers from both councils to oversee the move, including all functions, branding, website and web domain, which was agreed.
According to the report 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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