Time for all to see the truth

Cumbria First Offers to Boost Local Democracy

In today's world, democracy means two important things: being transparent and open, letting people participate in the decision making. But in Cumbria, some big changes have made it harder for regular folks to participate in council meetings and find out what decisions are been made that affect them and the local communities.

Instead of having many local leaders close to home, we now have just two big councils trying to cover a huge area. That means meetings often happen far away, making it tough for many of us to be a part of important decisions that affect our lives.

But here's the good news! We're living in a time where technology can help solve this problem. It can bring council meetings right to your fingertips, no matter where you are in Cumbria. You can see and hear what's going on just like you're there in the council room.

That's where Cumbria First comes in. We care a lot about Cumbria and making sure democracy works for everyone. We want to help fix the problem of a disconnected democracy by offering our local councils, Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, a special gift – technology that makes it easy to be part of local democracy putting people in the council meetings delivering and open and transparent local government for the communities across Cumbria. And guess what? We're not charging a penny for it!

Our goal is simple: We want everyone in Cumbria, no matter where you live, to be a part of local democracy and deliver openness and transparency on the decisions that shape our communities. We believe that if our councils embrace technology, they can engage with us all better and create an open and transparent democratic Cumbria for all.

So, here's our invitation: Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, let's collaborate and make our democracy stronger. Let's bring transparency and openness into local government. Let's make sure the people and communities across Cumbria always comes first!

Where is the transparency in Cumberland council

In 2022 as a party committed to Putting Cumbria First. We forecast the mess that would unfold with the new unitary councils that is now becoming evident to all.

Our members and party pledge to hold the new councils to account and stand up for people and place outside the toxic mess of the new councils.

Our members have over the last few months worked to scrutinise and hold Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council to account on issues effecting people and communities across Cumbria.

Today we announce our latest challenge to the new councils over failure of transparency required by all councils under the local government transparency code.

The local government transparency code promotes democratic accountability and makes it easier for local people to contribute to the local decision-making process.

The transparency code sets out the minimum data that local authorities should be publishing, the frequency it should be published and how it should be published.

Both Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council via the councils own websites states the council “is committed to making its finances clear, so that everyone can see exactly how it is spending money.

As part of this commitment to provide financial transparency, Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council both state they will publish all expenditure over £250 (excluding VAT).”

Yet the new councils  have now existed as the local authority since the 1st of April 2023 representing over 5 months that Westmorland and Furness council and Cumberland Council have had a duty to publish their expenditure and spending on procurement cards. To date both councils have failed to publish any of the required data under the transparency code.

Members of Cumbria First have submitted questions to be asked at the full council meeting of both councils asking the leader’s of both councils to explain why the respective Council failed to disclose its expenditure to date for public scrutiny what is the council covering up with its lack of transparency on its expenditure?

Team Cumbria remain committed to our pledge of Putting Cumbria First and holding to account local and national government on issues that effect you and your family and our Cumbria.

Cumberland Council have to date failed to publish any of its spendings over £250

Cumberland Council have to date failed to publish any of its spendings over £250

It could be asked why has Cumberland Council to date failed to publish the information on the council's finances?

All councils operate under a Code issued by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in 2015 exercised his powers under section 2 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (“the Act”) and issued a Code of Practice that set out the publication of information by local authorities about the discharge of their functions and other matters which he considers to be related. 

Among the code of practice list is the publication of speeding by a council.

Cumberland Council has stated publicly that the council is committed to making its finances clear, so that everyone can see exactly how it is spending money.

As part of this commitment to provide financial transparency, Cumberland Council stated that the council will publish all expenditure over £250 (excluding VAT).

To date that information since the 1st of April has not need published via the council's website for public examination. Unfortunately, the pledge and commitment by the council to date has been little more than flag waving and hot air with no delivery of the commitment pledge made by Westmorland and Furness Council to deliver transparency.

It could be asked why has Cumberland Council to date failed to publish the information on the council's finances?

Is it because the books don’t balance? or that the council is already having to look at making £10 million pounds worth of cuts to its budget next year?

Is it because the Q1 staffing budget does not balance?

What a mess🙄🙄

now here is a thought.

On the 1st of April we have 2 new councils that will be billing us for council tax.

The current councils will be dissolved from midnight on the 31st of March.

Our Current council tax direct debits are with the current district councils Eden, Allerdale, Carlisle, Copeland, Barrow and South Lakeland as the billing authorities.

Most pay council tax in the 10 monthly instalments via direct debit to these councils and direct debit mandates will have been signed by the individuals to allow the councils to collect the monthly payments.

The first payment normally goes out in early April as the start of the new council tax year.

We have not even had the council tax bills yet with only 32 days left  until the 1st of April.

Have you signed any new direct Debit mandate for either Westmorland and Furness or Cumberland Council to allow them to take payments from your bank account for council tax?

The current council will as is worded in the change order be dissolved so they cant bill us or collect the money from us.

It could mean some face paying 2 or 3 months in lump sums because the new council has failed to sort its act out and ensure it can take the monthly payments from our banks via direct debit.

Banks could face challenge if they allowed the current direct debit agreements we have all signed with the dissolved councils to take money from our accounts.

building a community in Denton Holme

A key part of building a #community is having a plan and working together for the future 🙂 I have brought this idea to the Denton Holme community Engagement group and over the next year we hope to bring a neighbourhood plan to Denton Holme 

 Denton Holme is a community with a rich history and a bright future. With its diverse population and unique character, the neighbourhood has the potential to become an even better place to live, work, and play. One way to achieve this is through the creation of a neighbourhood plan with neighbourhood development orders. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of this approach and how it can empower the community to shape its future.

Neighbourhood planning is a way for local communities to have a say in how their area develops. It allows residents to create a shared vision for the future of their neighbourhood and to influence decisions about things like housing, transport, and green spaces. Neighbourhood development orders (NDOs) are a tool that can be used alongside a neighbourhood plan to help speed up the planning process and give the community more control over what gets built in their area.

One of the main benefits of creating a neighbourhood plan is that it gives the community a stronger voice in the planning process. Instead of simply reacting to proposals put forward by developers or the local council, residents can take an active role in shaping the future of their neighbourhood. This can lead to better outcomes for everyone, as the plan will reflect the needs and aspirations of the community.

Another benefit of neighbourhood planning is that it can help to promote sustainable development. By creating a plan that prioritises things like green spaces, sustainable transport options, and energy-efficient buildings, Denton Holme can become a more environmentally-friendly and resilient community. This can have positive impacts on both the local environment and the health and wellbeing of residents.

Neighbourhood development orders are another tool that can help to speed up the planning process and give the community more control over what gets built in their area. NDOs can be used to grant planning permission for certain types of development, such as small-scale housing or community facilities. This means that the community can decide what kind of development it wants to see in the neighbourhood and can make sure that it fits with the overall vision set out in the neighbourhood plan.

Creating a neighbourhood plan with neighbourhood development orders is not just about planning for the future. It's also about building a stronger, more connected community today. By bringing people together to work on a shared project, the neighbourhood plan can help to foster a sense of community spirit and pride. It can also provide opportunities for people to get involved in local decision-making and to make a positive contribution to the place they call home.

In conclusion, there are many benefits to creating a neighbourhood plan with neighbourhood development orders in Denton Holme. By taking an active role in shaping the future of the neighbourhood, residents can ensure that it reflects their needs and aspirations. This can lead

to a more sustainable, resilient, and connected community that everyone can be proud of. So let's get started and create a brighter future for Denton Holme together!

Carlisle The Culture Capital of Cumbria? YES

 This is how we should look at carlisle we need to start showing the #culture and #history this city has!!

Cumbria is a beautiful county located in the northwest of England, known for its stunning natural landscapes, picturesque towns, and rich cultural heritage. Carlisle stands out as a cultural hub, and there are many reasons why it should be considered the cultural capital of Cumbria.

Firstly, Carlisle has a long and fascinating history. The city was founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, and evidence of their presence can still be seen today in the form of Hadrian's Wall, which runs just outside the city. Carlisle also played a key role in the Anglo-Scottish wars of the Middle Ages, and its castle and cathedral are both impressive examples of medieval architecture.

In addition to its historical landmarks, Carlisle has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to several galleries and museums, including the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, which has a fantastic collection of local artifacts and artworks. The Old Fire Station, a converted fire station, is now a creative hub for artists, writers, and performers. The Sands Centre is the largest venue for performing arts in the city and regularly hosts concerts, plays, and other cultural events.

Moreover, Carlisle is known for its annual festivals and events, which celebrate the city's cultural diversity and showcase its artistic talent. The Carlisle Fringe Festival is a popular event that features a range of performances, from comedy to music and theatre. The Borderlines Book Festival is another highlight of the city's cultural calendar and attracts renowned authors and literary figures from around the world.

Carlisle's cultural scene is also bolstered by its thriving food and drink culture. The city is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, serving everything from traditional Cumbrian fare to international cuisine. The city also has a number of microbreweries and distilleries, which produce unique and delicious beers and spirits.

Finally, Carlisle is a city that prides itself on its inclusivity and community spirit. The people of Carlisle are friendly and welcoming, and the city has a strong sense of identity and place. This is reflected in the many community events and initiatives that take place throughout the year, from local markets to charity fundraisers.

In conclusion, Carlisle is a cultural powerhouse that deserves recognition as the cultural capital of Cumbria. With its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and strong sense of community, Carlisle is a city that truly has something for everyone.

A new parish council for Carlisle that gives a voice to all communities,

 

I propose the creation of parish councils for all unparished parts of Carlisle, and the formation of a Carlisle city cluster of parish councils that will work collaboratively across the city. This proposal is aimed at improving local governance, increasing community participation, and promoting sustainable development across the city. Carlisle is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, located in the North West of England. Despite its many strengths, the city currently lacks effective community representation and governance in many unparished areas. In order to address this issue, we propose the creation of new parish councils in these areas, and the formation of a Carlisle city cluster of parish councils. The creation of parish councils for all unparished parts of Carlisle will provide a much-needed mechanism for local representation and democratic decision-making. This will enable residents to have a say in the development of their communities, and to work collaboratively with local authorities and other stakeholders to achieve common goals. The Carlisle city cluster of parish councils will work together to promote sustainable development across the city, while holding the city charter trust and mayor of the city role as a Carlisle city council cluster of parish councils. This will ensure that all areas of the city are represented and that decisions are made in the best interests of the whole community. Governance: The Carlisle city cluster of parish councils will be governed by a city wide Carlisle City Council made up of elected representatives from each of the city parish councils and will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the city via the cluster, managing its finances, and ensuring that it operates in accordance with relevant legislation and best practice guidelines and will be chaired by the Carlisle City Ceremonial Mayor. Each individual parish council within the cluster will be responsible for managing its own affairs and making decisions that are in the best interests of its community. However, they will also work collaboratively with other councils within the cluster to promote shared goals and priorities. We believe that the creation of parish councils for all unparished parts of Carlisle, and the formation of a Carlisle city cluster of parish councils, will provide a much-needed mechanism for local representation and democratic decision-making across the city. This proposal has the potential to promote sustainable development, increase community participation, and strengthen local governance in Carlisle