Devo deal breakthrough in autumn statement

Lancashire has been offered a historic devolution deal today as part of Jeremy Hunt’s raft of autumn statement announcements.

The potential deal has been heralded as “amazing news” for the county and it follows months of detailed talks with central government.

If given approval, the proposed deal will transfer new money and powers from central government to a newly created combined county authority.  

For the past six months, leaders from Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council have been working together to progress a deal.   

In a statement today they say the proposed deal would give local leaders extra powers to tackle key priorities such as better public transport, boosting economic prosperity and improving employment and skills.  

They added: “Importantly, while a new combined county authority would be created, the deal would not require a change to the established county, borough or district councils across the area, and there would be no requirement for an elected mayor, nor the power to precept over and above the normal Council Tax ask.”

Government levelling up minister Jacob Young said: “I am delighted to agree this Level 2 devolution deal with Lancashire, which will bring more funding and powers out of Whitehall into the hands of communities in Lancashire.

"Lancashire has a long tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship, which this deal will build on to unlock the economic potential of the whole area.”

Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “The announcement by the government today is amazing news, and shows the faith the secretary of state Michael Gove and levelling up minister Jacob Young have in our plans.  

“Alongside my fellow leaders, I truly believe the time is now for a devolution deal for Lancashire.  

“We want to ensure our residents benefit from a boost in funding as well as extra powers to tackle the issues that matter most to the people of Lancashire.  

“This proposed deal would help us to drive regeneration in our town and city centres, support new jobs in growing industries such as low carbon technologies, cyber security and energy, and make sure we have the right skills to take advantage of these opportunities.  

“It would also enable greater co-ordination of our collective expertise, priorities and investment in our transport infrastructure to ensure that it meets the needs of people across the region.  

“This announcement is a hugely significant milestone in our devolution journey and signifies a really crucial step forward.” 

Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “It’s a real triumph for everyone involved to have finally made a start on the devolution of powers to Lancashire after many false starts.  

“This will give Lancashire a voice both nationally and, in the North West, allowing the region to start to compete on an even playing field with our neighbours in Manchester and Liverpool.” 

And Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool council, added: “The people of Blackpool and Lancashire deserve to benefit from devolution. For too long we have watched neighbouring areas benefit, whilst our county has missed out.”  

The deal proposal will now be discussed by members of each constituent council at a series of meetings. If all the councils agree, a public consultation will then be held so residents and businesses can have their say on the deal proposal.

Each council will then consider the findings of the consultation before the final proposal is submitted to the government for parliamentary approval next year.

Under government rules, only top-tier councils can be members of a combined County Authority. In Lancashire’s case, this would be the county council, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool.

However, those leading the process say that Lancashire’s district councils will be fully engaged in the process and there is a commitment that they “will have a voice” in any new combined county authority.