Businesses back elected mayor – with conditions

Businesses back devolved powers for Lancashire - but support for an elected mayor depends on funding and value for money, new research has revealed.

The cautious backing for a mayoral authority, similar to those operating in Greater Manchester and Liverpool, was given in the survey, which was carried out by the county’s chambers of commerce.

However, that support is conditional on it bringing with it meaningful powers, additional funding and delivering value for money, without increasing costs for businesses or council taxpayers.

The survey was carried out by the chambers of commerce for North and Western Lancashire, East Lancashire and Lancaster and Morecambe.

The aim was to understand business views on the potential introduction of a directly elected mayor for Lancashire. The research explored support for devolution, concerns about governance changes and priorities for future economic leadership.

The results showed 65.16 per cent of respondents either strongly support or tend to support the introduction of an elected mayor – with just 13.55 per cent opposing the proposal.

However, more than one in five businesses remain neutral or undecided, highlighting the need for further engagement and information.

The chambers say a clear message emerged from the survey, with businesses primarily interested in the benefits devolution could bring rather than governance reform alone.

More than 92 per cent of respondents said securing additional devolved funding from government was important, making it the strongest area of consensus identified in the research.

Businesses also believe a mayoral authority could strengthen Lancashire’s voice on the national stage, with almost 67 per cent agreeing that a mayor would improve the county’s ability to influence government and attract investment.

However ‘significant concerns’ remain over cost. Nearly 80 per cent of respondents said they would be concerned if new governance arrangements resulted in increased costs for businesses or residents. The chambers say this emerged as one of the most important issues 'requiring further clarification and reassurance'.

When asked about their preferred approach, half of all respondents said they would support a mayor only if additional powers and funding were guaranteed for Lancashire, while fewer than one in five supported the introduction of a mayor without conditions.

Overall, almost 69 per cent were broadly supportive of a Mayoral Authority but only if it delivers tangible economic benefits for the county.

Babs Murphy, chief executive of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The message from Lancashire businesses is clear. They recognise the opportunities that greater devolution could bring and they want Lancashire to have a stronger voice with government. However, support for a mayor is not unconditional.

“Businesses are telling us that any new governance arrangements must deliver real benefits in the form of additional funding, greater local powers and improved economic opportunities. At the same time, they want assurances that these changes will not create additional costs or bureaucracy.”

Recently appointed chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Simon Brierley added: “As chambers of commerce, our role is to ensure the voice of business is heard throughout this process.

“These findings provide valuable evidence for policymakers and demonstrate that the business community is prepared to support further discussions, provided Lancashire secures a genuinely stronger deal through devolution.”

Graham White, chief executive of the Lancaster chamber, said: “The chambers will continue to engage with businesses, local authorities and government as discussions around Lancashire’s future governance arrangements progress.

“The survey findings suggest there is a mandate for further exploration of a mayoral authority but that businesses expect a strong economic case and clear accountability before any final decisions are made."