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Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 30th September, 2025 10.00 am
September 30, 2025 View on council websiteSummary
The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Westmorland and Furness Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, to discuss a range of topics, including the creation of a Mayoral Authority for Cumbria, the council's economic strategy, and its quarterly performance. The committee will also review its work programme and forward plan.
Here are the topics that the committee is scheduled to discuss:
Creation of a Mayoral Authority for Cumbria
The committee will be asked to consider a report from Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader of the Council, regarding the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) for Cumbria1. The report pack includes a copy of the Cabinet Devolution Report, along with appendices relating to the government consultation, the devolution framework, and a summary of the functions of a Cumbria Combined Authority.
The report pack states that on 9 January 2025, the Cabinet resolved to join the government's Devolution Priority Programme. The report pack states that on 29 September 2025, the Cabinet will decide whether to consent to the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority in Cumbria. This decision will be communicated to the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee before its meeting. The committee will then compile questions and suggestions for the Cabinet and Full Council to consider before the Cabinet makes a final decision on 14 October 2025.
The Cabinet Devolution Report included in the report pack notes that the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent during the first half of 2026. If consent is given to the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority, it would be established in early 2026, operating for a year without a mayor, before Cumbria's first mayor is elected in May 2027.
The report pack states that Cumbria would be expected to secure a £333m 30-year Mayoral Investment Fund, alongside £4m of capacity funding for the new institution over the current Spending Review period. It also notes the potential risks of an MCA, including the possibility of one council being outvoted and the financial liability for constituent councils.
Westmorland and Furness Economic Strategy
The committee will receive a report from Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader of the Council, regarding the development of an Economic Strategy for Westmorland and Furness. The report pack states that an economic baseline review has identified challenges facing the area's economy, including an ageing population, increased cost of living, and pressures on town centres. The strategy aims to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and diverse economy.
The report pack states that there has already been significant engagement to inform the strategy, including visioning workshops and place-based sessions. The strategy is intended to align with the Cumbria Economic Strategy – Going for Growth and the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy.
Quarterly Performance Report
The committee will receive a report providing oversight of performance against the 2025/26 Annual Plan for Westmorland and Furness Council. The report pack states that the Annual Plan describes activity under each of the ten missions described in the Council Plan Delivery Framework, and highlights 16 delivery priority programmes for 2025/26.
The report pack suggests an overall positive position of performance at Quarter 1 2025/26.
Committee Briefing
The committee will receive a report providing the Forward Plan of Key Decisions and the committee's work programme for consideration and discussion. The Forward Plan of Key Decisions covers the period from 1 October 2025, to 31 January 2026.
Updates from Chairs and Vice-Chairs
The agenda includes an item to receive updates from the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Scrutiny Committees. This is an opportunity for feedback on work being undertaken across all of the council's scrutiny committees, with an emphasis on opportunities for joint working.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The committee will be asked to consider the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 June 2025.
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A combined authority is a legal body set up using powers from the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 that enables a group of two or more councils to collaborate and make joint decisions across council boundaries. ↩
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