The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to grant EU citizens the automatic right to stay in the UK, with the physical proof they need, as new Home Office figures reveal 80 people in Eden are still waiting for a decision on their Settled Status application, a small fraction of the 380,200 waiting in the UK.

On 22nd Feb Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government made a statement to the House of Commons. In this he stated that he has opened a consultation about establishing a Unitary Authority or Authorities in Cumbria to replace the County Council and the District Councils.

CUMBRIA POLICE & CRIME COMMISSIONER ELECTION MAY 2021
Lib Dem candidate: Mark Christie

As with many rural areas across the UK, rural crime is having a major impact on farmer's businesses, but also their mental health. According to NFU Mutual, livestock theft across the country costs farmers over £2.4 million a year, whilst theft of quad bikes is estimated to cost £2.3m and other agricultural vehicle theft over £5m. In the past year, there has been a 9% increase in rural crime, with a price tag estimated at £54m. Almost 70% of farmers and rural businesses have experienced criminal acts within a 12-month period.

EDC have bought Voreda House from the NHS in order to move all EDC services onto one site and to release the Grade II* listed Town Hall and Mansion House for other uses. Voreda House is just along the road from the Town Hall so still in the heart of Penrith.

"A single site has been on the council radar for 12 to 15 years. The two existing buildings are not fit for purpose," said Virginia Taylor, LibDem leader of EDC. "Attempts have been made but the buildings cannot be made more accessible. They cost a fortune to heat and emit ludicrous amounts of carbon."