Cumbria First

11/10/2025

Scottish National Party (SNP) party conference has just seen members vote to put Scottish independence back on the top of the agenda.

As devolution for Cumbria is about to be forced on our county by Westminster against the will of the people, maybe it's time for Cumbria to look North and consider a future as part of an Independent Scotland.
Rather than the poor relations up north under Westminster rule.

07/06/2025

Carlisle’s High Street Revamp Drags On — It’s Time for Free Parking to Support Local Businesses

As the redevelopment of Carlisle’s High Street continues to stretch well beyond its expected timeline, the strain on local businesses is becoming impossible to ignore. What was promised as a revitalisation project meant to breathe new life into the city centre has, for many traders, turned into a prolonged period of disruption, uncertainty, and dwindling footfall.

With fencing, road closures, and construction work still dominating the heart of Carlisle, shoppers are increasingly choosing to stay away. For independent retailers, cafés, and family-run businesses that rely heavily on day-to-day passing trade, this downturn is more than just inconvenient — it’s threatening livelihoods.

The Council has previously acknowledged the challenges posed by the redevelopment, yet meaningful support for affected businesses has remained limited. It’s time for action. One practical, immediate step the Council could take is to offer free parking across Carlisle city centre for the months of July and August.

Why Free Parking Matters Now

Offering free parking during the peak summer months would give people a real incentive to return to the city centre. It removes a financial barrier for families, tourists, and local residents alike, encouraging them to shop, eat, and spend time in Carlisle when businesses need them most.

It’s a small gesture in the grand scheme of a multi-million pound redevelopment, but one that could deliver tangible benefits. Other towns and cities undergoing similar projects have successfully implemented free or reduced parking schemes to offset disruption and maintain vibrancy on the High Street.

A Show of Support

Beyond its practical benefits, free parking would send an important message — that the Council values and supports its independent businesses. The High Street may be under construction, but the heart of Carlisle remains very much open for business.

It would also help foster goodwill within the community, showing that those in charge are listening to the concerns of traders and residents alike, and are willing to act swiftly in their best interests.

The Right Move at the Right Time

As July approaches, and with no clear end in sight for the redevelopment works, this is the perfect opportunity for the Council to step up. Implementing free parking for July and August would be a straightforward, effective, and popular move that could make a genuine difference during a difficult period.

If the long-term goal is to create a thriving, welcoming city centre, then supporting those who keep it alive today should be a priority. Carlisle’s businesses deserve it — and so do the people who call this city home.

02/02/2025

19/11/2024

Putting Cumbria First backs British Farmers today and everyday.

16/10/2024

Following lobbying by members of Cumberland Council has finally published records of the councils corporate credit card spending since April 2023.
We are now awaiting the council’s and police report on the fraudulent spending on those cards.

12/10/2024

For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure in politics both sides of the border.

He leaves behind a lasting legacy not just for Scotland but for regional politics across the UK.

Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and those who knew him.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Alex Salmond, former leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland, has died. His leadership brought the SNP into the mainstream and the Scottish Government. He was a titan of the independence movement. Our thoughts are with Moira and his family.

27/09/2024

🚨Direct Challenge by Putting Cumbria First Forces Council to admit Fraudulent use of Council Credit Cards.🚨

Following extensive lobbying and challenges by our members over Cumberland Councils continued failure to publish legally required monthly spending alongside spending on the council's extensive number of corporate credit cards

Cumberland Council Leader has today faced direct question by our Lead member for Cumberland Colin May.
Colin directly questioned Cllr Mark Fryer Cumberland Council leader on its ongoing failure at the Cumberland Council full council meeting at the Cathedral Room in the Civic Centre, Carlisle.

Colin questioned the council on fraudulent usage of the councils corporate credit cards resulting in the council leader confirming that council credit cards have been subject to staff using them in a fraudulent way resulting in a police launching an investigation.

The council has said until police have concluded their investigation it will continue to fail its transparency obligations and withhold full details of the councils spending and credit card usage preventing public disclosure of the extent of the Cumberland Council credit card abuse.

20/09/2024

Putting Cumbria First continues to hold Cumbria's two unitary councils to account working to put people and place first and ensure the new unitary councils are held to account.

Since April 2023 Putting Cumbria First and its members have continued to challenge both Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council over failures by both councils on transparency and accounts with the public money spent by the councils.

Following extensive lobbying and challenges by our members both councils began to publish the monthly spending reports of the council but still failed to publish as is legally required spending on any of the council's extensive number of corporate credit cards.

Westmorland and Furness Council has in the last month started to release some credit card spending reports but still not fully up to date.

Cumberland Council continues to cover up the council's credit card bill from public scrutiny.

On Friday 27th September our Lead member for Cumberland Colin May will directly question the Cumberland Council leadership on its ongoing failure at the Cumberland Council full council meeting taking place at the Cathedral Room in the Civic Centre, Carlisle at 10:30am

10/09/2024

No one should choose between heating and eating.
We need innovation, not more hardship! Heat homes with decentralised supercomputing – a tech-driven solution to cut bills and boost UK innovation.
We need a government that innovates not procrastinates

10/09/2024

The counties Labour MP’s should today put the constituents they represent across Cumbria First and not the party whip as they vote on removing the vital to many winter fuel allowance.
The new government has totally failed to offer alternative solutions to rebalance this cut.