Devolution deal on hold until after election

Progress on Lancashire's devolution deal has halted until after the July 4 general election.

Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council had been set to submit the county’s devolution proposal to the government for approval.

Levelling up, housing and communities secretary Michael Gove was expected to lay an order in parliament to establish the new combined authority before the summer recess, with the new Lancashire Combined County Authority being established by the autumn.

However, with the general election in the near future, parliament has been dissolved and the county will now need to wait until a new government is formed before further progress can be made.

Coun Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, Coun Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, issued a joint statement saying: “We remain committed to securing a devolution deal for Lancashire. We are convinced this is a good deal for Lancashire and one that builds the foundation for additional deals in the future.  

“The timing of a general election means we will not be able to finalise our deal as soon as we would have wished. However, we will continue to work together and be ready to conclude this with the new government when it is formed in July as we believe this remains a great opportunity for our county."