MPs Raise Concerns Over Future of Cumbria Police
MPs have warned that merging Cumbria Constabulary with other forces could weaken local policing and move resources away from the county.
An Early Day Motion about the future of the force was tabled in Parliament by Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron on June 1.
It follows Government plans for a major change to policing across England and Wales.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, has also spoken against any merger involving the county.
Cumbria’s Police Commissioner Opposes Plans
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen has said he does not support police mergers involving Cumbria.
He believes the county could lose out if its police force became part of a larger regional organisation.
Possible merger partners could include nearby forces such as Lancashire or Northumbria.
Mr Allen said: “Cumbria will be a net-loser in anything like this.”
He supports some national changes where they could reduce costs. These include buying equipment and technology for several forces at once.
However, he argues that centralising local policing would be a different matter.
Concerns Over Local Police Presence
Mr Allen believes some specialist services can be organised nationally or regionally.
However, he says officers dealing with crimes in Cumbria still need local knowledge and a physical presence in the county.
This includes serious investigations involving vulnerable children and sexual exploitation.
He said: “You can’t do that from Manchester and Preston if they’re in Cumbria.”
Supporters of keeping the force independent argue that officers must understand the area they serve.
Cumbria includes large rural areas, two unitary council areas, busy tourist destinations and remote communities.
These create different demands from those faced by police in major cities.
Penrith Jobs Could Be at Risk
Another concern is the future of Carleton Hall in Penrith.
The site acts as the headquarters for Cumbria Constabulary and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.
It is also a major employer in the Penrith area.
Mr Allen fears that a merger could lead to important departments moving outside the county. This could place local jobs at risk and leave a gap in the economy.
A larger regional force may decide to base senior staff, support teams and administrative services at a headquarters elsewhere.
No closure decision has been announced, but the possible impact of restructuring has caused concern.
Cumbria Police Praised for Performance
Mr Allen has defended the current performance of Cumbria Police.
He said the force meets its main performance measures, including targets linked to emergency response times.
Cumbria Constabulary employs more than 1,400 police officers and serves communities across the county.
Mr Allen believes its current structure and understanding of Cumbria’s geography help it respond effectively.
He argues that merging a well-performing force could cause disruption without guaranteeing better policing.
What Is the Government Proposing?
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a major police reform programme in January.
The Government plans to review the current system of 43 local forces in England and Wales, with the aim of reducing the number.
It argues that larger forces could reduce repeated work, save money and improve the handling of complex investigations.
A new National Police Service would also be created to deal with areas such as counter-terrorism, organised crime, fraud and national roads policing.
The Government says local forces would then be able to place more focus on neighbourhood crime.
It also plans to introduce national targets covering areas such as:
- Emergency response times
- Victim satisfaction
- Public trust and confidence
- Crime-solving performance
Ministers would gain stronger powers to intervene where a force is judged to be failing.
Police Oversight Set to Change
The future oversight of policing in Cumbria is already due to change.
A mayoral election is planned for May 2027. Responsibility for holding the police to account would then move from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to the new Mayor.
The Government has also announced plans to remove directly elected police and crime commissioners across England and Wales.
Mr Allen believes Cumbria’s current accountability system has helped drive improvements.
He has pointed to work tackling anti-social behaviour and serious sexual offences as examples of progress under the existing structure.
What Happens Next?
The Government has not yet announced the final number, size or boundaries of future police forces.
A review of police structures is expected to report during summer 2026.
The Early Day Motion does not change the law or force the Government to take action.
However, it allows MPs to place their concerns on the parliamentary record and show support for keeping Cumbria Constabulary locally accountable.
Any final merger proposal would be expected to face close scrutiny over its impact on officers, jobs, emergency response times and communities across Cumbria.
