[6] For the purposes of lieutenancy and shrievalty, Cumberland remains part of the ceremonial county of Cumbria.

The only exception is Carlisle, which is unparished; the Cumberland councillors for the city serve as charter trustees instead of it having a parish council.

In that area, town planning is the responsibility of the Lake District National Park Authority.

Cumberland Council appoints four of its councillors to serve on the 20-person National Park Authority.

[22][23] The logo draws on symbols found on the flag and coat of arms of the historic county of Cumberland.

[24] It features a Parnassus flower, the traditional county flower, wavy lines which represent the fells, mountains, lakes and coast of the council area and the colours blue and green, which are the livery colours of the traditional county.