Welcome

Cumberland is home to some of the world’s most stunning rural landscapes, boasting two world heritage sites and our world class attractions draw in millions of visitors a year. As a newly-formed unitary authority we are excited by the opportunity we have before us. We are able to join up services and deliver at a scale that has not been available to us previously. We are using these opportunities to create a council that engages with, and empowers residents, whilst using our strengths, influence and willingness to improve the lives of everyone in Cumberland.

Our central aim of improving the health and wellbeing of our residents is supported by a focus in four key areas. By prioritising addressing inequalities, local economies that work for local people, environmental resilience and the climate emergency and delivering excellent public services, we can make an impact on the factors that improve health and wellbeing.

Our work in these areas is underpinned by consistency in service delivery that is defined by our ‘Cumberland Approach’, ensuring that we:

• Provide accessible and trusted services that listen, involve and engage;
• Are driving change, learning and improving;
• We demonstrate leadership whilst working collaboratively;
• Think local first and sustainably;
• Focus on prevention and early intervention.

As underpinned in our first Council Plan as a unitary authority, we take a fresh approach to the delivery of inclusive services that are shaped by our residents and communities – believing passionately in the delivery of excellent public services. To do that we need to be clear about the values and behaviours that we need to drive change and achieve our high standards​. We are compassionate, innovative, empowering​, ambitious​ and collaborative​.

There is a thirst, a drive, and a passion to embrace what Cumberland can be – and our people are our priority. That’s it. It’s that simple. We have this opportunity to change everything, to fix what isn’t working, to look for new ways of delivering our services so they are the best they can be. 

Welcome from Clllr Mark Fryer, Leader, Cumberland Council