Unitary council backs 17% increase in number of councillors, citing improved decision-making

Cumberland Council has backed plans to increase the number of councillors from 46 to 55 following a boundary review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

The authority's Executive agreed to recommend the 17% increase to council last week, in line with the recommendations made by the commission, which said an increase in members would help decision-making and boost community representation.

A report considered by the Executive said the change would help achieve the council's transformation goals, "provide the capacity to support high quality decision-making, meaningful engagement and representation, and excellent public service delivery".

It noted that more councillors would allow an increase in the numbers of councillors on its regulatory and overview committees "and ensure they have the time and capacity to prepare, to undertake important training and development, and to contribute fully to the Council's decision-making processes".

The commission conducted the review in light of the 2023 reorganisation of local government in the county of Cumbria.

Cumberland Council was created in April 2023, replacing Allerdale Borough Council, Carlisle City Council, Copeland Borough Council and the relevant part of Cumbria County Council.

Westmorland and Furness Council was created at the same time to replace the former district areas of Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland, and the remainder of Cumbria County Council.

Adam Carey