Power to the people!

Cumbria County Council has been named as one of an elite group of councils to lead the way nationally on the best way to engage with and empower local communities. It means the spotlight will be on the people of Cumbria to help shape the way people all round the country interact with their councils.

The department for Communities and Local Government has announced Cumbria County Council will be a founder member of a new network of 18 'empowering' authorities. Cumbria was chosen because of the work already done in talking and listening to people in the county and empowering them to make local decisions.

Cllr Gary Strong, Cabinet member responsible for community development, said: "All good councils listen to local people and many of the ideas that have helped us win this recognition have come from Cumbrian people. Our approach involves engaging with district councils, parish councils and other agencies to help people have their say, whatever the issue.”

For more information on the Empowerment Action Plan, visit the Communities and Local Government website (external link).