Be aware of QR scams in car parks
Across the UK, reports of scamming methods in car parks are increasing. When paying for parking Cumberland Council are asking all customers to be vigilant. The Council will never:
All parking payment apps should be downloaded via a trusted source such as the Apple App Store or Google Play.
While no such reports have been made about car parks in Cumberland, the Council ask that if you spot anything which appears unusual or suspicious then please let them know.
You can contact the car parking team here by email at car.parks@cumberland.gov.uk
King Street, Whitehaven Grant Scheme
A grants scheme to help transform King Street in Whitehaven continues to be available.
Empty and dilapidated premises that cause an eyesore for the town centre have been identified as a key issue to tackle. The new Building Improvement Grants will support bringing vacant units back into use and improve the appearance of occupied properties.
The grants scheme is open to owners or businesses with properties on King Street. They can apply for a grant to help with the costs of improvements to their properties. For occupied properties owners or businesses can apply for a grant of 50% (up to a maximum of £5,000), for improvements to their shop fronts.
For vacant properties, grants of 50% (up to a maximum of £15,000) can be applied for, to improve the shop front and undertake internal works as well. The Cumberland Council grants are funded from Sellafield’s Social Impact Investment Fund.
Applications close on Tuesday 17th March. Anyone interested in applying for a grant is asked to send their contact details and property address to highstreetgrants@cumberland.gov.uk
New apprenticeship opportunities with council
Westmorland and Furness Council is recruiting a new cohort of apprentices, offering exciting opportunities for people to kickstart their careers in local government.
A wide range of roles are available in accountancy, adult social care, business administration, vehicle maintenance, project management, highways and civil engineering. Apprenticeships are offered at various levels, providing opportunities for people at different stages of their career journey.
Applications are open now and close at midnight on Sunday 22nd March. Candidates can apply online here
The council’s dedicated Apprenticeship Team is also on hand to answer questions from prospective apprentices, as well as parents and carers. They can be contacted on 01539 713434 or by email at apprentice@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Read more about the launch of the council’s 2026 apprenticeship opportunities here
Funding for shipping and coastal communities
The Government has announced funding of £271 million for shipping and coastal communities across the UK. The funding will be used to develop green boat fuel, boost innovation in the maritime sector and attract private investment to help grow the economy. The funding is part of the seventh round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition and the second round of the Zero Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure Fund.
Read more about the funding here
Clear Pricing campaign launched
The Competition and Markets Authority has launched a Clear Pricing campaign to encourage UK businesses to be upfront, transparent and fair with their customers. The campaign includes a '3 Step Pricing Check' which businesses can use to check that their pricing practices are within the law and customers aren't faced with unexpected costs.
Read more about the campaign here
Workington’s new Innovation Centre nearing completion
A new Innovation Centre in Workington is on track for practical completion next month and has an operator in place to run the building.
Following the completion of building work at the end of March, the building will then be handed-over from us to Oxford Innovation Space who will fit-out the building in preparation for an opening in summer 2026.
The new facility will provide purpose-built accommodation for entrepreneurial businesses, as well as bringing new modern office accommodation to Workington, something currently lacking in the town.
You can read more here
Grant funding for small grassroots charities
easyfundraising has launched a new fund for UK charities and good causes, with a focus on small and grassroots charities. The easyfundraising Impact Fund will share £10,000 of grant funding between 20 charities and good causes. The fund is open to eligible UK-based good causes, including registered charities, not-for-profit organisations, sports teams and clubs, and social enterprises and CICs. Applications are open until 5 April 2026.
Read more about the fund here
Grant funding to install EV chargers
The Government has announced an over 40% increase in charge point grant amounts available to businesses and households.
From April 2026, businesses will receive grants of up to £500 per charge point, rising from the previous discount of £350. The increase will cover almost half the cost of a typical charge point installation until March 2027.
Read more about the grant here
Update on Sustainable Farming Incentive for 2026
Defra has published an update on the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) offer for 2026. The SFI26 offer will be simpler, with fewer actions (71 actions, down from 102 in the SFI24 offer). The first application window will open in June 2026 and be open to both small farms and farms without an existing environmental land management (ELM) revenue agreement.
Read more about the update here
How’s business? Have your say: Spring 2026 Tourism Business Performance Tracker
Cumbria Tourism are keen to hear how business has been in the tourism/hospitality sector to help inform their activity on your behalf and help them represent your voice at the highest levels.
Have your say here
New online tool helps residents access energy efficiency support
Cumberland Council have launched a new online eligibility checker to help residents quickly find out if they qualify for home energy efficiency improvements.
The tool combines the Warm Homes Local Grant and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme into one simple platform, making it easier to check eligibility and register for support.
Eligible households could benefit from upgrades like solar panels, insulation, and heating improvements, helping reduce fuel poverty and improve home comfort.
The tool was developed through strong collaboration between Housing and Digital teams, showcasing the power of cross-departmental working to deliver better services for residents.
All residents are encouraged to check their eligibility here
New Nutrient Neutrality website is live
The Nutrient Neutrality Northwest Partnership has relaunched under its new name: Cumbria Nutrient Neutrality (CumbriaNN), and alongside a refreshed identify, the new dedicated website is now live.
The site is now the single home for:
You can view the new site here
Upcoming Event: Understanding Changes to Renters’ Rights
Get ready for the biggest changes to rental law in decades.
Join Cumberland Council for an informative session designed for landlords, agents, and anyone involved in the private rental sector. These reforms will significantly impact how tenancies are managed - make sure you’re prepared.
What you’ll learn:
From 27 December 2025:
From 1 May 2026:
This event isn’t just about enforcement. It’s about support and partnership.
The Council’s housing teams work closely with private landlords to sustain tenancies, prevent issues, and help people into homes. Learn how these services can benefit you and your tenants. Attendees will also gain insight into the Introduction of a landlord database and property portal which is also due to implemented in 2027. Further changes will be discussed by the NRLA on the day.
The event will be held on Thursday 19 March 2026, between 10.30am and 12pm at Allerdale House, Workington.
Register for the event here
New pilot to help secure apprenticeships
The Government has announced a new apprenticeship pilot to provide young people with a clearer path into apprenticeships.
The pilot will create a university clearance-style system, where 'near miss' applicants who don't secure their top choice apprenticeship will be redirected to similar opportunities in their area. The pilot will be delivered in partnership with employers and Mayoral Strategic Authorities.
Read more about the pilot here
Small firms encouraged to join Cyber Essentials scheme
The Government has launched a new campaign to encourage organisations to protect themselves from common online threats. The campaign will encourage small and medium-sized businesses to join the Cyber Essentials scheme, which sets out clear and practical steps that can be taken to protect against common cyber threats. Cyber threats cost UK businesses £14.7 billion a year, with half of small firms experiencing one in the last 12 months.
You can read more about the campaign here
Game Changers Technology Talks
The next Game Changers Technology Talks session will take place on Wednesday 25th March 2026 at 12pm.
Concrete Decontamination – A new approach
Hear from Appleby-based engineering company Barrnon Ltd, alongside challenge owners from Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) Dounreay, presenting Scabbler – an innovative, remotely operated technology developed to address the complex challenge of safely removing contaminated concrete from nuclear facilities.
Find out more and register here
Defra ELM Capital grants coming later this year
Defra will be opening a new round of the main ELM Capital grants in July this year. These are payments that help cover the cost of one-off investments on farms. £225 will be available for tree planting, hedgerows restoration, natural flood management and improving water quality which is an increase compared to the £150 million available last year.
Defra will release detailed guidance and eligibility criteria on GOV.UK closer to the launch date so keep an eye out for further details.
Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2026
The application window for the next round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF 2026) will open on 17th March.
Guidance for FETF 2026 is now available on GOV.UK to help you prepare.
Funding available
A total of £50 million will be available to farmers, growers, foresters and their contractors to invest in equipment and technology.
Funding is split across 3 themes:
You can apply for a grant towards the cost of specific items from approved lists within these themes. In total, 290 items are eligible for funding.
Grants range from £1,000 to £25,000 per theme. You can apply for items under more than one theme, up to a combined maximum of £75,000.
Funders pay a percentage of the cost of each item. The exact amount depends on the item you choose. These items can cut costs, improve efficiency and protect profits.
You can find out more here
H&H Rural Bursary
H&H Group plc have recently launched the H&H Rural Matters Bursary, supporting the next generation of farmers across Cumbria.
Open to Cumbrians involved in farming or the agricultural sector aged 25-35 years, the £3,000 bursary will fund practical projects or training to help develop skills, education and farm businesses.
Applicants are required to submit proposals outlining their plans and funding needs.
Full details, eligibility criteria and deadlines can be found here
Government Consultation on the Introduction of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED)
In the Autumn Budget 2025, the government announced the electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED), which is a new mileage charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars. This will come into force in April 2028. The government is carrying out a consultation on how this scheme will be designed and implemented.
Find out more here
AI Academy: Practical AI Skills for Your Business
Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses operate. The British Chambers of Commerce AI Academy provides practical, hands-on training designed to help teams use AI tools confidently in their everyday work. Discover how your business can work smarter, save time, and stay competitive.
You can find out more here
