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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

Under-occupancy in relation to Housing Benefit determines what size property the Government believes a resident needs. If a resident has more bedrooms that the Government believes they need they are classed as under-occupying a home and the amount of Housing Benefit they receive will be reduced. These rules apply to anyone under state pension age.

Council to host Social Inclusion Conference

Published: 13/02/2020

COPELAND Borough Council will host the first Social Inclusion Conference this month to highlight the wide range of support that is available for residents in the borough.

The council and its partners have an extensive Social Inclusion Programme, designed to provide equal opportunities for residents of all ages.

We work with a number of social and private landlords across the borough to house tenants who are in receipt of housing benefit.

Rent that is owed to landlord under the terms of the tenancy is between the tenant and the landlord and we deal solely with the Housing Benefit entitlement for the period the tenant is living in the property.

Under most circumstances, details regarding a tenant’s claim are confidential and cannot be disclosed to a landlord unless written consent has been provided by the tenant.

Details of Copeland Council's Contracts Register can be found below: