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

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.”

Workington MP Mark Jenkinson said: "It is of course absolutely right that the chancellor reviews 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.

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"It is right that he looks at everything and these investment zones of course would significant future costs to the treasury and would be much more popular I think than treasury expected when they were announced.

"But I have also been clear in my letter, in conversation with Department for Levelling Up and communities ministers and the treasury that these zones have been a conservative policy for a long time in various guises."

Mr Jenkinson highlighted the Workington free-port submission that was put to government under Rishi Sunak's chancellorship.

"But on the flipside we know that in places like Workington where you are 40 miles from the nearest motorway and mainline station we have to offer something for businesses to put down roots and make Workington more attractive than somewhere right on motorways and main line stations.

"That's why I wanted to set out my hopes that Micheal can see that for Workington and deliver something along those lines - so I don't think all is lost basically."

READ MORE: Cumberland Council leader answers question on Investment Zones