The Slow Painful Failure of Local Goverment in Cumbria.

This will be live blog that will take some time to complete so here is the opening intro that will also form the concluding part of the blog.

The sooner the sticking plaster is removed, acknowledging the problems and addressing them head-on, the sooner Cumbria can begin the process of healing as one Cumbria.

The slow failure of Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Councils following the local government reorganisation in April 20223, serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in restructuring public institutions. It highlights the need for thorough planning, realistic financial projections, and effective communication with both employees and the community.

As these council’s teeter on the brink of declaring bankruptcy through a Section 114 notice, the lessons learned should inform future efforts at local government reorganisation and the to unify local government in Cumbria. One County, One Council, One Cumbria.

The sooner the sticking plaster is removed, acknowledging the problems and addressing them head-on, the sooner Cumbria can begin the process of healing and building a local government system that truly serves the interests of its residents and the communities across Cumbria. It is a tough road ahead, but with careful planning and community involvement, it is possible to move forward and create a more efficient and responsive government for all.