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What is the Electoral Register?

The Register of Electors lists everyone who is entitled to vote. You can only vote in elections if your name is included in the Register.

The Electoral Registration Officer compiles and keeps two versions of the Register - the Full Register and the Open Register.

It is compiled between August and November each year with the new Register coming into force on December 1 and remaining in force until November 30 the following year.

To be included in the Register you must be:

Your business rates bill explained

Non-Domestic Rates, or business rates, collected by local authorities, are the way those who occupy non-domestic property contribute towards the cost of local services. We collect it on behalf of Cumberland Council (from April 1, 2023).

Please see Business rates (NNDR) explained | Shadow Authority for Cumberland Council for further information on business rates.

For more information on our cemeteries and crematorium:

Call us on 01946 598300 option 6.

Email DistingtonHallAdmin@copeland.gov.uk

Visit or write to us

Distington Hall Crematorium
Distington
Workington
Cumbria
CA14 4QY

To view a map to the crematorium, click here.

Apply for permission

You can submit planning applications online through the Planning Portal.

View the Local Validation Checklist.

Do I need planning permission?

Further information is available on householder developments.

You can find out if a shop or restaurant has good hygiene standards through the National Food Hygiene Rating System.

This is a national scheme run in partnership with the Food Standards Agency. It ensures that businesses across Copeland and the rest of Cumbria are offering the same standards of food hygiene as other parts of the country.

If you have a problem with food you have bought, we can help.

About food complaints

We look into complaints relating to poor food standards.

Complaints generally fall into two categories:

Here is a quick guide to setting up a food business in Copeland:

Planning permission

Depending on where you want to run your business, you may need planning approval.

Food registration

It is a legal requirement to register premises used for a food business (including market stalls, delivery vehicles and other moveable structures).

Others sources of help

Food Standards Agency

HM Government

The Government launched the Towns Fund to invest in towns and high streets across England as part of its plan to level up our regions. This brought together Town Deals and the Future High Streets Fund. 101 places were selected to work with Government and agree a Town Deal. 72 places were successful in securing Future High Streets funding.

We need to see certain documents before we award housing benefit and/or council tax reduction to verify your identity and circumstances.

Residents must provide original documents and not copies. Important documents should not be sent through the post but should be delivered in person, to avoid getting lost.

If a resident receives Income Support, income-based Job Seekers Allowance, income related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit they will need to provide the following information:

You can submit this form if you have a question about Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction or Housing Benefit overpayments.

Or, call us on 0300 373 3730.

You can also email us at benefits3@cumberland.gov.uk or, for Discretionary Housing Payment queries, dhp@cumberland.gov.uk.

Visit or write to us at one of our offices:

Market Hall,
Market Place,
Whitehaven,
CA28 7JG

Copeland Borough Council

For the latest cost of living support