Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “The news from the Government regarding the move away from PCC models to local authority and mayoral models does not change the current plans for Cumbria.
“In October, Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council agreed for Cumbria to move towards a mayoral authority in 2027 – a move that has been in the works for a while now.
“This is still the case for Cumbria following the announcement from Minister of Policing and Crime, Sarah Jones MP, this morning (Thursday 13 November).
“We are already working with the Unitary Councils, Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to transfer Cumbria over to a mayoral system from May 2027. As part of this a Deputy Mayor for policing, fire and crime, under the Mayor, will continue to hold the Chief Constable and Chief Fire Officer to account for the effectiveness and efficiency of their organisations.
“This will ensure that residents and visitors to our county continue to get the best service possible from their Police and Fire & Rescue Services.
“Ultimately, devolution puts power firmly into the hands of Cumbrians and takes away power from central government and faceless Civil Servants in London. We know our area best and I believe that we have the skills, people and talent to thrive in the future, this will empower us to be able to deliver it — and that’s something I fully support.
“No matter the model used to hold blue light services to account, the priority is and always will be ensuring that the public are kept safe.”