Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness councils have agreed to progress discussions with the government on devolution in Cumbria.

Devolution provides regions with more powers and decision-making over matters including transport, employment support, planning, and housing.

The two councils submitted a joint expression of interest in September and have continued discussions about the opportunities a devolution deal could bring.

The council leaders have jointly written to Jim McMahon, Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, expressing their commitment to discussions that could lead to the creation of a combined authority for Cumbria.

The councils' are not making a commitment to devolution.

Instead, the councils' aim is to continue discussions to gather more information about potential governance and funding arrangements before deciding whether to proceed.

The councils' expect that a Devolution White Paper will be published shortly.

They expect this will provide more detail on the devolution of powers and funding and clarify how the relationship between national and local authorities will work.

The leaders' letter to the minister indicated that the councils shared the government's stated commitment to achieving economic growth.

They also mentioned that the creation of a combined authority would require forthcoming legislation to provide a satisfactory basis on which to move forward, with local consultation and the agreement of both authorities.

Councillor Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: "Devolution presents a significant opportunity for local areas to play a stronger role in making decisions that respond to local needs and opportunities."

Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, added: "We want to do all we can to drive forward investment in our area.

"By working in partnership, we can secure the funding needed to support our communities and our economy."

"We have already taken steps to make this happen and we want to send a clear message to the government that we want to be around the table when devolution is discussed and be part of any accelerated discussions.

"This is an exciting time for our region, and it is important that we are part of the plans."