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."

Cumbria Liberal Democrats have attacked local Conservative boasts about police funding as "smoke and mirrors" that dress up a potential Council Tax rise as if it were extra funding from the Government.

Local Conservatives have claimed that "Cumbria Police is set to receive an additional 6 million in its funding, thanks to the Conservative Government's increase to police budgets." However, detailed Home Office figures reveal that the Government is only giving Cumbria Police an extra £3.5 million for the financial year 2021-22.

You will have noticed the unusual window displays in houses and shops across Eden and up as far as Alston.

Well it was not just a Christmas display and it is not too late to join in!

Get involved in the Eden Window Wanderland event, Officially launched on 5th December 2020 the event runs until Feb 28th 2021.

UK - European Union Deal - Outcome with no upsides not much better than "no deal"

This letter was published in the 'Cumberland & Westmorland Herald' on 2nd January 2021.