Major breakthrough on Lancashire devo deal

Proposals to create a Combined County Authority for Lancashire have passed a crucial stage after the government signalled it was happy to proceed with the plan.

Jim McMahon, local government and English devolution minister, has told the leaders of Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council, that the statutory tests to implement the devolution proposal have been met.

The government now intends to bring the matter before Parliament in the coming weeks.

Lancashire is one of four devolution deals signed off, with others progressing.

Ministers are encouraging local leaders to deepen the Combined County Authority deals announced for Lancashire and Devon & Torbay and take strides towards mayoral devolution as a “gold standard”.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “I’m delighted that we've been able to mark another moment in Lancashire’s rich history by agreeing the first steps of its devolution journey.

“This agreement will empower local leaders to make key decisions locally, and ensure they have a say on how to shape the future of their area instead of having it imposed on them from Westminster.

“We want to work closely with them to unlock this area's untapped potential, and keep the red rose of Lancashire blooming proudly.”

The three local authorities say that when parliamentary approval is secured, an initial £20m capital funding will be unlocked to support innovation led growth and net zero ambitions across Lancashire, along with further powers and funding for adult education, transport, employment and skills.

Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “This is a very significant step forward in our devolution journey and we are very excited the necessary arrangements are set to be laid before Parliament.

“A lot of hard work has taken place to get us to this moment, and we know there is a lot more work to come, but we are committed to delivering this deal for Lancashire as we know the CCA will benefit the residents and businesses of our county.

“We know our county is already a brilliant place to live and work, but we also know that we can be even better if we are able to make more decisions locally, this is just the start and we are committed to exploring how we can go further.”

Councillor Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “I am delighted that the government have agreed to support the level 2 deal.

“In Blackburn with Darwen we have always been clear that increasing local control over powers and funds currently held in London will help to increase growth and prosperity in Lancashire. We look forward to working with county colleagues and the Labour government to continue to embed the process of devolution.”

Councillor Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council added: “I am delighted that the government has announced that the statutory tests to implement the proposal for a Combined County Authority in Lancashire have been met and the regulations, once agreed and finalised, will be laid before Parliament in due course.

“I very much look forward to being able to implement our plans for Lancashire that will benefit residents across the whole of Lancashire and not least here in Blackpool.

“It is really important that decisions that affect our residents here in Lancashire are made at a local level.”

The devo deal put on the table before the General Election has had its opponents in the county with a number of district councils rejecting it and calling for a “a more ambitious devolution settlement”.

In its joint statement the three Lancashire councils said: “The Lancashire CCA aims to help address years of historically low investment in the area and provide a platform for accelerated growth.

“It will provide a single body for the whole of Lancashire to champion its interests, deliver on local priorities and provide greater local accountability and decision-making powers.

“In partnership with business and public service providers, including district councils, it aims to give Lancashire a stronger voice on the regional and national stage, ensuring greater benefit from funding and other opportunities.”

The announcement comes after the Deputy Prime Minister’s letter inviting councils to share proposals for new devolution agreements over "sensible geographies". The government says it expects more deals to be announced in the months to come.

In its announcement signing off of the agreement, the government said that the Lancashire CCA will be established in early 2025.

In its statement, the government said it "strongly believes that the benefits of devolution are best achieved through the establishment of combined institutions with a directly elected leader."

It added: "Mayors should have a unique role in an institution which allows them to focus fully on their devolved strategic responsibilities, working hand in glove with council leaders who will vitally also focus on the delivery of the essential services for which they are responsible."