A CALL has been made for Cumbrian parish councils to use more powers to control local services after the creation of the two unitary authorities in the county.

A Kirkby Stephen parish councillor has called on parish councils to act as ‘advocates for their communities’ on a broad range of issues, to bring together everyone in the local community and to accept responsibility for local services.

Cumbria County Council and the various district councils were amalgamated on April 1, 2023, to create Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness councils, with the aim of simplifying the system.

“In this new political landscape, it is inevitable that the town and parish councils will play an increased role,” said Adrian Waite.

“There are now fewer paid councillors. For example, there used to be 49 in Eden, but now there are 16.

“Fewer paid people to represent communities and to ensure council administrations are accountable.

“The new unitary authorities simply don’t have the capacity to do what the previous councils did, let alone rise to the challenge of creating and sustaining vibrant communities in all parts of the county.

“Town and parish councils can now use general powers of competence to do anything for the benefit of their community that they are not expressly prevented from doing by law. I think the town and parish councils need to use these powers.”

Cumberland Council set up eight ‘community panels’ which are designed to identify gaps in provision, bring funders together and lobby for particular local needs. They also have funding available to fund local enterprises.

Their decisions are influenced by community networks of residents, businesses, the third sector and others.

But Adrian has called on the parish council to step and take over some services including street cleaning, health initiatives and building refurbishments.

“Does it really make sense for someone in Kendal to be managing things like footway lights, drains and public toilets everywhere from Alston Moor to Walney Island?” said Adrian.

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“These things should be managed locally but that means making sure that the towns and parishes are adequately resourced. The town or parish precept should not be the only source of funding.

“In some other unitary authorities, far more progress has been made and town and parish councils provide a wide range of services.

"These include community and arts venues, cemeteries, play areas, CCTV, bus shelters and toilets. I look forward to more progress being made.”