CUMBRIAN leaders have had their say on so-called 'investment zones', after it was revealed that they have been put 'under review' by the Government.

In October, Cumbrian council leaders went forward with the next steps towards securing investment zones in Cumbria by submitting an 'expression of interest' bid to Government.

The sites being put forward for consideration in Cumbria are:

  • Land at Kingmoor Park Enterprise Zone, Carlisle
  • Land at Oldside and Port of Workington
  • Land at Leconfield Industrial Estate, Cleator Moor

READ MORE:  Cumbrian leaders have their say on investment zones being placed 'under review'

These zones could 'benefit from a variety of tax incentives, regulatory innovations and planning flexibilities within specific site boundaries'. 

However, following the change of government, Levelling Up minister Michael Gove revealed that the zones are now being put 'under review'.

Leaders in the area have had their say on the decision.

Cllr Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council said: “Whilst I support the aim of attracting investment to boost our local economy, I have been clear from the start, that any development at the sites that are being explored needs to provide high quality jobs and to be respectful of the environment.

"This is not about development at any cost.”

READ MORE: iSH, Cleator Moor gets £7million pledge from NDA

Workington MP Mark Jenkinson said: "It is of course absolutely right that the chancellor reviews [the investment zone decision] in the light of the cost-of-living crisis and the huge - and I mean huge - energy package and predictions around the world of economic slowdown.

"It is right that he looks at everything.

"These investment zones of course [are] much more popular I think than the treasury expected when they were announced."