Federation has taken another step towards setting up a Commons Council for Cumbria
In late May we submitted an extensive proposal to the Secretary of State to set up a Commons Council for Cumbria.We are asking the Secretary of State to allow Cumbria to establish a Commons Council by order made under Section 27 of the 2006 Commons Act. If the Secretary of State is convinced that we have demonstrated prima facie (evidence sufficient to prove a particular proposition) substantial support for a commons council in Cumbria, then there are still a number of steps to achieve as follows:
- Defra will draft an establishment order based on our proposed structure with Cumbria is divided into five areas for the purpose of representation as follows:East Fellside; Howgills; North Lakes; South Lakes; Central Lakes
- Defra will instigate another round of consultation on the draft establishment order
- Defra will consder the consultation responses, they must take particular note of the responses from the following people:
- persons who have rights of common over the common;
- persons with a right over, or who occupy, the common (other than rights of common);and
- persons who have a legal function related to the maintenance or management of the common.
- If the results show substantial support then an establsihment order will be drawn up.
So there is still a long way to go.
To read the report we have sent to Defra click here: