Cumbria CC has been shortlisted as one of six councils for coveted Beacon status for its work on strategic commissioning in children's services. Cumbria won Beacon status last year, for the way it secures access to learning and achievement for all 14 to 19- year-olds in the county. It is now competing with the Wakefield City Council, Devon CC, Gateshead MBC, Hackney LBC, and Westminster City Council.
