The Cumbria Combined Authority has been brought into legal existence by the Cumbria Combined Authority Order 2026. The instrument was approved by both Houses, signed on 23 February 2026 and took effect the following day, creating a single corporate body for Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council. (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)
The Order establishes the Authority’s constitution and membership. Each constituent council appoints two elected members with named substitutes, and there is provision for up to four non‑constituent and associate members to support delivery. Prior to the first mayor taking office, the Authority must appoint a chair and vice‑chair from among its members. (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)
A directly elected mayor is mandated for the Area. The first mayoral election is fixed for Thursday 6 May 2027; the mayor’s initial term starts on 10 May 2027, with subsequent elections every four years on the ordinary day of local elections. Until then, the Authority operates without a mayor. (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)
Transport planning is central to the transfer of functions. Sections 108, 109 and 112 of the Transport Act 2000 (Local Transport Plans in England) move from the constituent councils to the Combined Authority. During a defined transition period-from 24 February 2026 to 31 March 2027-these functions are exercised concurrently before transferring in full. (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)
The Order designates certain functions as exercisable only by the mayor once in office. These mayoral‑only powers include responsibility for preparing and revising the statutory Local Transport Plan under the Transport Act 2000 and exercising the grant‑making function described below. Members and officers of the Authority may assist the mayor in exercising these general functions. (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)
Grant‑making powers under section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003 are conferred on the Authority to be exercised concurrently with a Minister of the Crown. When allocating grants that relate to a constituent council’s highway functions, the Authority must have regard to ensuring the council has sufficient funds, taking into account other available sources. The Order also modifies section 31 for this purpose. (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)
Regional coordination is adjusted to reflect the new body. The Sub‑national Transport Body (Transport for the North) Regulations 2018 are amended so that the Cumbria Combined Authority becomes the named constituent authority for Cumbria, replacing the unitary councils in that list. (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)
Funding arrangements are set out for the Authority and for mayoral expenditure. The constituent councils must meet the Authority’s costs attributable to its functions and, where needed, the mayor’s costs, unless met from other resources. Apportionment is by agreement or, failing agreement, by each council’s share of the Authority’s resident population at the relevant reference date (30 June, two financial years prior). (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)
Information‑sharing powers are extended to support community safety. The Authority may exercise the section 17A Crime and Disorder Act 1998 function on data sharing in its Area and is designated a relevant authority for section 115 on disclosure, operating concurrently with the constituent councils. (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)
Accounting provisions are phased for establishment. The requirement to prepare a statement of accounts is disapplied for the financial year beginning 1 April 2025. For the year beginning 1 April 2026, the Authority must prepare accounts for the period from 24 February 2026 to 31 March 2027, creating a first extended year to align with the 2026–27 outturn. (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)
Governance and staffing safeguards are specified. The mayor may appoint one political adviser as an employee of the Authority, with the post treated as politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Decision‑making is by simple majority of members present and voting, and-once in place-must include the mayor or deputy mayor in the majority. (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)
Implementation timetable is now fixed. The Order was made on 23 February 2026; establishment took effect on 24 February 2026; the transition period for transport functions runs to 31 March 2027; and mayoral functions commence on 10 May 2027 following the election on 6 May 2027. Local authorities in Cumbria have confirmed these timings publicly as part of their devolution communications. (cumberland.gov.uk)
For practitioners, the near‑term workload is clear. Transport and legal teams should stand up a single Local Transport Plan programme during the concurrent period, align grant governance to the modified section 31 process, and map budget apportionment against the population‑based formula ahead of the 2027–28 financial year. The governance team should prepare standing orders, remuneration panel arrangements and scrutiny/audit membership in line with the Schedule. (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)