When created, in April 2023, it took over the northern and western part of the 1974–2023 Cumbria non-metropolitan county's administration and the corresponding former Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland districts, while the new Westmorland and Furness unitary authority took over the remainder.

[10] Opponents of the reorganisation claimed that the proposal was pursued to benefit the electoral prospects of the Conservative Party.

Cumbria County Council, which would be abolished under the plans, sought judicial review to prevent the reorganisation from taking place.

[12] Draft statutory instruments to bring about local government reorganisation in Cumbria were subsequently laid before parliament.

Local television services for the area is provided by BBC Look North and ITV News Lookaround.