Cumbria Times

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The Great British Staycation Is Under Threat, As Poll Finds 55% Of People In The North West Oppose The Holiday Tax

Almost three quarters (72%) of people in the North West would cut back or stop taking holidays in the UK because of the proposed holiday tax, a major UKHospitality poll has found.

P.ublished 22nd May 2026

The Cumberland’s Cockermouth Branch Offers Face-To-face Appointments Again

Victoria Rae-Mills

The Cumberland has reintroduced face-to-face mortgage appointments at its Cockermouth branch, responding to growing demand from customers seeking in-person support. Mortgage and protection advisor Victoria Rae-Mills has recently begun offering appointments in branch one day a week, marking a return to a more traditional, community-based service alongside existing phone options.

P.ublished 21st May 2026

CBI And Browne Jacobson Set Out Blueprint For New National PPP Framework To Unlock UK Infrastructure Investment

Image by kalhh from Pixabay

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson have published a landmark joint report calling for a fundamental reform of the legal and commercial framework governing public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the UK.

P.ublished 21st May 2026

Inflation falls to 2.8% — but reprieve for households 'will be short-lived'

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

UK inflation eased more sharply than expected last month, falling to 2.8% in the year to April from 3.3% in March, but economists have cautioned that the respite for hard-pressed households would prove fleeting as the inflationary aftershock from the conflict in the Middle East continues to build.

P.ublished 20th May 2026

The Cumberland Underlines Its Commitment To Whitehaven With Major Branch Refurbishment

The Cumberland Building Society has announced a major refurbishment of its Whitehaven branch, highlighting its commitment to the town. The premises on Lowther Street will close for around 20 weeks, from Saturday, May 30, to allow the work to be carried out.

P.ublished 18th May 2026

Crime Prevention Advice For The Summer

Don’t let burglars have easy access to your home As the weather starts to get warmer people are more likely to leave their doors and windows open to ventilate their properties. Walk-in burglaries do increase during this time, so don’t be complacent. If you cannot see the door or window, then it should be shut and locked.

P.ublished 18th May 2026

United Against Knife Crime: New National Pledge launched for Knife Crime Awareness Week 2026

The Ben Kinsella Trust has announced that Knife Crime Awareness Week 2026 will take place from 18 to 24 May alongside National Police Chiefs’ Council Sceptre Week, combining policing, prevention and community action in a coordinated effort to tackle knife crime.

P.ublished 18th May 2026

Burnham Plans To Re-Form Labour

Labour has suffered a harrowing defeat as Green Party leader Zach Polanski declares that two-party politics is “dead and buried”. Keir Starmer takes the loss on the chin and declares that he “won’t walk away”.

P.ublished 17th May 2026

Healthcare Is Having To Adapt To The Reality Of Modern Life

Cocoon Clinic Photo: Chapter Three Studios

Over recent years, people have become far more proactive and informed when it comes to their health, with growing numbers seeking earlier answers and a better understanding of their wellbeing before concerns have the chance to escalate further.

P.ublished 16th May 2026

North West Households Feel Financial Pressure As Research Highlights Benefits Of Financial Planning

Image by Alexander Stein from Pixabay

Households across the North West continue to feel the impact of financial pressures, according to new research from St. James’s Place (SJP), with many reporting worsening finances over the past year as rising living costs continue to squeeze household budgets.

P.ublished 15th May 2026

WASPI Women Launch Fresh Legal Case Following Historic Labour Election Losses

WASPI campaignershave confirmed they are proceeding with fresh legal action against the Government, following local elections in which Labour lost nearly 1,500 council seats. The announcement comes as WASPI women are found to represent a significant voting bloc in hundreds of marginal constituencies across the country.

P.ublished 14th May 2026

Reactions To The King's Speech

Photo: AXP Photography on Pexels

King's Speech did not address pensioner poverty says Independent Age Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson, CBE said: “The King’s Speech did not go far enough in addressing pensioner poverty.

P.ublished 13th May 2026

Northern Young People Missing Out On Grassroots Music Projects

37% of grassroots youth music projects have considered closing due to funding pressures Over two-thirds (67%) unable to meet demand from young people More than 33,500 young people are currently on waiting lists for grassroots music projects Nearly 40% expect their financial position to worsen in the next 12 months Youth Music has raised £1 million through its Rescue the Roots campaign, but warns the sector remains under severe strain

P.ublished 13th May 2026

Lancashire Bishop And Priest Both Help To Sow Seeds Of Hope For Online Campaign

The Church of England in Lancashire is playing a key role in this year’s Christian Aid Week, with the Bishop of Blackburn and a county priest appearing in separate videos during the campaign on the charity’s social channels, to encourage donations. There will be campaign content on Christian Aid’s channels every day from May 10-16, for what is Britain’s longest-running fundraising week.

P.ublished 13th May 2026

Work Offers A Lifeline To Unpaid Carers But Nearly Half May Cut Their Hours Or Quit Without Better Support

74% of carers in employment say being able to work supports their wellbeing, offering a break from caring, boosting confidence and social contact Despite this, nearly half (47%) of carers who are employees are considering cutting their working hours or giving up work altogether. Giving up work to care can also have a significant financial impact New research from Carers UK examines the ‘tipping point’ at which unpaid carers feel that they have no choice but to give up work to care

P.ublished 12th May 2026

York Prostate Cancer Patient Selected To Star In New Podcast With BBC Writer And Comedian Jon Holmes

Prostate cancer patient Neil Connolly, will be appearing alongside award winning writer and BBC Radio 4 comedian Jon Holmes in a brand new quiz style podcast to support prostate cancer patients.

P.ublished 12th May 2026

Carlisle Community Hall Receives £500 Boost From Stagecoach Fund

Trustees

A volunteer-run community hall serving rural communities near Carlisle is set to benefit from a £500 grant from Stagecoach. Beaumont Parish Hall, located on Stagecoach’s Route 93 and serving a parish of around 500 residents across five villages, has received the funding to support its ongoing reconstruction project.

P.ublished 11th May 2026

Half Of Medium- And High-risk Mental Health Patients In A&ENot Properly Observed Throughout Their Stay, New RCEM Report Reveals

Around half of higher-risk mental health patients in emergency departments were not properly observed during their stay last year. That’s according to new data published by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) today, 11 May, which is the first day of UK Mental Health Awareness Week.

P.ublished 11th May 2026

Northern Passengers Reminded Some Train Times Will Change Next Week

Photo: Northern Trains

Northern passengers are being reminded that some train times will change next week and new Sunday services will be introduced between Whitby and Newcastle. It will happen on Sunday, 17 May, when railway timetables across the country will be updated.

P.ublished 8th May 2026

Letter To Editor: Deaf Awareness Week (4–10 May)

This week (4-10 May) marks Deaf Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of deafness while celebrating the UK’s deaf community. This year, the National Deaf Children’s Society is highlighting the early signs of deafness in children and reassuring families that support is available from the very start. Deafness isn’t always obvious.

P.ublished 7th May 2026

Over 100k Pain Passes Aid Women’s Health Conversations Where ChatGPT Fails

Nurofen’s Gender Pain Gap Index Report finds more than half (53%) of women felt their pain was ignored or dismissed, rising to nearly three quarters (73%) among women aged 18-24.

P.ublished 7th May 2026

Madame Tussauds Blackpool Marks Sir David Attenborough's 100th Birthday

Madame Tussauds Blackpool marks Sir David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday with Eco Pledges from Local Pupils Madame Tussauds Blackpool has celebrated Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday by inviting Year 6 pupils from Revoe Learning Academy, Blackpool to make environmentally friendly pledges in his honour. On 8 May, the legendary broadcaster and natural historian will turn 100.

P.ublished 6th May 2026

Vape Tax Risks Pushing Former Smokers Back To Cigarettes, VPZ Survey Warns

A new survey by VPZ, the UK’s largest specialist vaping retailer, has revealed widespread concern that the Government’s planned vape tax could drive former smokers back to cigarettes, as rising costs threaten the affordability of vaping.

P.ublished 6th May 2026

View From Winter Hill Transmitter As It Marks 70 Years On Air

One of the UK’s most important broadcast sites, Winter Hill was first commissioned on 3 May 1956, and has played a central role in the development of television and radio broadcasting for seven decades.

P.ublished 6th May 2026

YouGov/cebr: Consumer Confidence Falls For The Second Month In A Row

Consumer confidence continued to decline in April 2026, according to the latest data from YouGov and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr). Headline figures fell from 105.8 to 102.4 (-3.4) as nearly every metric deteriorated. Any score greater than 100 indicates positive sentiment, while a score of less than 100 indicates negative sentiment.

P.ublished 4th May 2026

10 Things A Barrister Wants Every Tenant To Know About The Renters' Rights Act

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

From 1st May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act will be in force. For 11 million private renters in England, it is the most significant shift in housing law in a generation. Section 21 no-fault evictions have ended. Fixed-term tenancies no longer exist. Landlords who once had near-automatic routes to possession must now justify every claim in court.

P.ublished 2nd May 2026

Introducing a once-in-a-generation conversation: The Cumberland takes to the road to shape its future

Cumberland Community Conversations

The Cumberland Building Society has launched a major listening initiative that puts communities at the heart of its future strategy. Starting in May, the region’s largest building society is going on the road to speak to the people of our region, giving them the opportunity to share their views on what they want and what matters most to them.

P.ublished 1st May 2026

Prominent British Pakistani Leader Celebrates Landmark Public Health Legislation

Image by Kaufdex from Pixabay

The Network of Pakistani Organisations (NPO) UK has welcomed the passing of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which officially becomes law, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s ongoing efforts to tackle smoking and protect public health.

P.ublished 1st May 2026

AA Warns Drivers Over Overnight A66 Closures And Lengthy Diversions

The AA is urging drivers to check their route and allow extra time for journeys ahead of a series of overnight closures on the A66 in early May. Overnight closures will be in place between Kemplay roundabout and Temple Sowerby from midnight to 5am each night from 5 May to 9 May 2026 inclusive, as National Highways carries out work linked to the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project.

P.ublished 1st May 2026

New Renters’ Rights Law To ‘Revolutionise’ Pet Ownership In England

The RSPCA has labelled today (1 May) an “historic day for pet ownership” as a new law comes into force that will give more people than ever before in England the opportunity to own an animal. Landlords can presently impose blanket bans on the keeping of pets in private rental properties - without providing a justifiable reason.

P.ublished 1st May 2026

TransPennine Express Introduces New Meeting Points At Stations To Transform Accessible Journeys

TransPennine Express (TPE) is helping customers start their journeys with greater confidence by introducing new Passenger Assistance meeting points at stations across its network. The new meeting points provided by the train operator are clear, easy-to-find spaces where customers can meet a member of staff ready to help.

P.ublished 1st May 2026

Bank Is Operating On A Knife-Edge

Kevin Brown, savings specialist at Scottish Friendly, has commented on the Bank of England's decision to hold rates: “By holding rates today, the Bank of England is betting that the shock to energy markets will be temporary and won’t cause a broader, more persistent price spiral of the sort we witnessed in 2022. “Whether that’s the case or not remains to be seen.

P.ublished 30th April 2026

Leeds Tattoo Expo: “Yes We’re All About Tattoos, But There’s So Much More To See!”

Silvia Legaria Photo: Cammy, Continuous Portrait Project

It might be the Leeds Tattoo Expo’s 11th year at Leeds First Direct Arena, but there are plenty of new attractions at this year’s cutting-edge event. Firmly established as a must-do for tattoo and alternative culture enthusiasts across the UK and beyond, around 220 of the industry’s best artists will showcase their skills.

P.ublished 30th April 2026

Letter To The Editor: Breaking Down Barriers For Deaf Awareness Week

Samantha Baines

Dear Editor,  As a deaf person in the UK, navigating everyday life in a hearing world can be a struggle. Common activities like shopping, visiting a hospital or socialising are often full of challenges.  When people aren’t deaf-aware, it can make life a lot more difficult. It can be so isolating and really knocks your confidence.

P.ublished 29th April 2026

UK In ‘Relegation Zone’ For Prostate Cancer Survival Without Screening Programme, Expert Warns

Image by Marijana from Pixabay

The UK risks falling further behind Europe on prostate cancer survival rates without the introduction of a national screening programme, a leading surgeon has warned - as new data shows early detection could significantly improve outcomes.

P.ublished 29th April 2026

Renters’ Rights Act Drives Surge In Demand For Xenia Lettings In The North East

Jonathan Wlaker

Demand has surged at a residential lettings agency in the north east as private landlords seek expert help to navigate the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act. Xenia Lettings, based in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, has seen a tenfold rise in instructions from property owners since the start of 2026 and has expanded its footprint to include Tyneside and County Durham, as well as Wearside.

P.ublished 28th April 2026

Grand Départ GB Launches Poster Design Competition For Students

Art, design and creative students from across England, Scotland, and Wales have the chance to showcase their talents, with the opportunity to design the official posters for the historic 2027 Grand Départs of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.

P.ublished 27th April 2026

Last Chance To Get Free Voter ID

Voters without ID have just one day left to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate to use at the upcoming May local elections in England. To vote at a polling station, voters must present an accepted form of photo ID. A Voter Authority Certificate is a free form of ID available to anyone who does not have another accepted form of ID or prefers not to use it.

P.ublished 27th April 2026

Crime Fiction Meets Real-World Fraud As Bestselling Authors Join National Campaign To Protect People From Scams

Bestselling crime writers Clare Mackintosh, Vaseem Khan and C.L. Taylor have joined forces with the banking industry’s Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to create a trilogy of original short stories designed to protect the public from scams

P.ublished 27th April 2026

Around 7 In 10 Young People In Cumbria Changing Travel Habits Due To Fuel Costs

Young people across Cumbria are rapidly changing how they travel, as rising fuel costs continue to impact daily life. New research from Stagecoach shows that 68% of young people in Cumbria have altered their commuting habits due to increasing petrol prices; one of the highest levels recorded across the UK.

P.ublished 27th April 2026

Two In Five Children Locked Out Of Live Music As Cost And Location Barriers Create Growing Divide

Playground Proms

An estimated 2 million UK children are being locked out of live music, with cost and location preventing access for two in five primary school pupils, according to new research from music charity Playground Proms.

P.ublished 24th April 2026

Shoplifting Is Still Unacceptably High, Say Independent Retailers

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) says that, despite a small reduction in the number of recorded shoplifting offences in England and Wales, the figures are still shocking.

P.ublished 24th April 2026

Sara Cox To Host The BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show

Sara Cox Photo: BBC Radio 2

Sara Cox is today announced as the new host of the weekday Breakfast Show (6.30-9.30am) on BBC Radio 2, the UK’s most popular single radio station, with a weekly audience of 12.7m (RAJAR, Q4, 2025). Sara, who currently hosts the station’s weekday Teatime show (4-7pm), will launch her first show this summer.

P.ublished 23rd April 2026

P.ublished 22nd April 2026

Market Report: Iran War Pushes Up UK Inflation While A Resolution Remains Elusive

FTSE 100 set for downbeat start as oil prices stay elevated and inflation rises. The Consumer Prices Index rose by 3.3% in the 12 months to March 2026, up from 3% in the 12 months to February. Motor fuels made the largest upward contribution to the monthly change, partially offsetting downward contributions. Brent crude dips slightly as Iran ceasefire is extended but remains elevated, hovering just under $98 a barrel.

P.ublished 22nd April 2026

Market Update: More Resilient UK Labour Picture Ahead Of Iran Crisis

UK unemployment rate dips to 4.9%, defying expectations that it would remain at 5.2%. Wage growth cools, but not by as much as expected in the three months to February. The emerging energy crisis could knock hiring plans off course. Hopes are kept alive for a peace deal as talks are set to start in Islamabad between Iran and the US. FTSE 100 flat in early trade as a wait-and-see mood swirls.

P.ublished 21st April 2026

Cochrane Review Shows The Drugs Don’t Work – What Is The Solution For Alzheimer’s?

A major Cochrane review of 17 clinical trials involving over 20,000 people shows that the new anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s drugs do not deliver meaningful clinical benefit.

P.ublished 20th April 2026

New Darlington Link Road Options Unveiled Ahead Of Summer Consultation

Fresh plans for a strategic link road between the A66 and the A1(M) in County Durham have been published, marking a significant step forward for the long-awaited infrastructure project. The Darlington Northern Link Road is designed to divert heavy goods vehicles and commuter traffic away from the A1150 and A167, reducing congestion in residential areas of north Darlington.

P.ublished 20th April 2026

TUC – 8 In 10 Workers Have Experienced Abuse At Work In Past Year

Image by John Hain from Pixabay

New TUC survey findings published today reveal 8 in 10 workers have experienced abuse at work in the past year. 45% of surveyed workers have experienced threats of physical harm in the last 12 months. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak says “ministers must prioritise HSE funding to keep workers safe”.

P.ublished 17th April 2026

Julie Minns MP Welcomes New Urgent Care Services In Carlisle As Labour Government Tackles The Scourge Of Corridor Care

Julie Minns MP

The Same Day Emergency Care centre at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle is to be expanded as part of the Government’s drive to end corridor care. It is one of 40 new and expanded urgent care sites across England which have been announced by Labour, as part of a £215.5 million programme to ease pressure on A&E departments, reduce waiting times and improve patient flow through hospitals.

P.ublished 16th April 2026

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