THE mayor of Copeland has welcomed a consultation that could see significant changes to local government in Cumbria.

In October, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick invited councils in Cumbria to submit proposals for moving to a unitary system of local government.

Cumbria's seven councils have returned with four proposals. Cumbria County Council's plan would see a single unitary authority encompassing the entire county, while the three proposals made by district councils would each involve establishing two unitary authorities.

Under a unitary authority, a single tier of local government is responsible delivering all of the local government services for the area - from social care and maintaining roads down to rubbish collection and planning.

Mike Starkie, the mayor of Copeland, said Allerdale and Copeland remaining part of the same authority was crucial.

He said: "“We welcome the Government’s launch of a public consultation into local government reorganisation in Cumbria, and the inclusion of the joint submission by Copeland Borough Council and Allerdale Borough Council as one of the four options being considered.

“We have made a compelling case for change with the two-unitary model we propose; with Copeland, Allerdale and Carlisle forming a West authority, and Eden, South Lakeland and Barrow forming a East authority.

“It would create organisations that are large enough to drive our ambitions for growth and excellent service delivery, while maintaining local identity and close links to our local communities.

“It is crucial that Copeland and Allerdale remain part of the same authority in any future model. Our local population, and our community and industry leaders, are equally unequivocal in this regard, and our proposal reflects that.

“We believe our model is the option that will deliver the future we deserve."