Whitehall has signed off a new countywide body for Cumbria. The Cumbria Combined Authority Order 2026 was made on 23 February 2026 and came into force on 24 February, creating a single authority for Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness, according to the statutory instrument published on legislation.gov.uk.

The first metro mayor election is set for 6 May 2027, with the winner taking office on 10 May 2027. From that date the mayor will chair the Combined Authority and serve a four‑year term, with future contests every fourth year on the ordinary local election day.

Before the mayor takes over, each council will appoint two elected members (plus substitutes) to the Combined Authority and choose a chair and vice‑chair from among them. Up to four non‑constituent or associate members can be added, bringing in voices from business or neighbouring bodies where agreed.

Transport is where the change lands first. Legal responsibility for Cumbria’s Local Transport Plan moves from the two councils to the Combined Authority. There’s a transition window from 24 February 2026 to 31 March 2027 when powers are exercised concurrently; after that, the Combined Authority leads on the plan.

At the pan‑Northern level, the Transport for the North regulations are amended so the Cumbria Combined Authority takes the seat, replacing Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council. In short, Cumbria’s voice at TfN will run through the new body rather than the two councils.

Crucially, the mayor will hold the pen on the transport plan and on certain grants. Section 31 grant powers-normally used by ministers-are conferred on the Combined Authority for the Area, allowing grants to support councils’ highways work. When setting grant amounts, the Authority must ensure councils have enough to discharge their highway duties.

On funding, the Order requires Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness to meet the Combined Authority’s costs, including mayoral spend where it isn’t covered from other resources. If they can’t agree a split, costs are apportioned by resident population using Statistics Board estimates taken on 30 June two financial years prior.

Decision‑making is tightly drawn. Matters go by simple majority; once the mayor is in post that majority must include them (or the deputy mayor). Quorum thresholds rise after May 2027. Committee members who aren’t from the constituent councils are non‑voting by default unless the Authority grants voting rights by resolution.

The mayor may appoint one political adviser. Allowances can be paid to the mayor, a qualifying deputy mayor, and members of the overview and scrutiny and audit committees-but only following recommendations from an independent remuneration panel and within its suggested limits.

Data sharing is widened to support joint work on crime and disorder, with the Combined Authority recognised as a relevant authority under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. For economic development and regeneration, the Authority can also use councils’ general power of competence concurrently, enabling countywide programmes where that helps delivery.

The accounts timetable is adjusted to reflect the late creation of the Authority. It will not prepare accounts for 2025/26. For 2026/27 it must publish a statement covering the period from 24 February 2026 to 31 March 2027, then move onto the usual annual cycle.

For residents and firms from Carlisle to Barrow, the immediate shift is about having one place to shape transport priorities-roads, active travel corridors and interchange upgrades-through a single Cumbria‑wide plan. Expect groundwork through 2026, a public draft during 2027 and a clearer line into TfN once the new set‑up beds in.

Local consent has been secured: both constituent councils agreed to the Order as required by the 2009 Act. The instrument was signed by Parliamentary Under‑Secretary of State Miatta Fahnbulleh on 23 February 2026 and approved by both Houses of Parliament. Government’s note says the change should drive public‑sector efficiencies without adding costs to business.

Next steps are straightforward but important: seat the Authority, adopt standing orders, set up scrutiny and audit, and get the Local Transport Plan moving. Mayoral hopefuls now know the brief-transport first, a voice at TfN, and the job of pulling countywide regeneration into one accountable office.