Devolution: We have to start somewhere

By Frank McKenna

09 Jan 2024

frank-mckenna-w.jpg

The devo deal offered to Lancashire has been criticised by some district council leaders as lacking ambition – and for excluding them from the new combined authority.

The fact is a more pragmatic and less parochial approach is now needed from our political leaders.

I remember when the first Devo-Manc deal was announced in Greater Manchester.

Leaders there were disappointed that what they got did not include any financial powers. Eight years later, that has now changed. Andy Burnham and his colleagues have also added a range of powers to those agreed in that initial agreement.

Equally, when Liverpool accepted to create an elected city mayor in 2012, I think the cash award was around £30m.

Eleven years later, there is a Liverpool City Region Combined Authority which has powers over a host of strategic policy areas, including economic development, transport, and skills and training, with a budget of around £600m.

The point is, Lancashire is at the start of a long journey. Is the deal the most exciting I have ever seen? Of course not. But we have to start somewhere, and this gives the county something to build on.

Although I have some sympathy with district leaders who complain that they have no place on the new combined authority, I would ask them to reflect on whether they have been engaging in the devolution debate in good faith – or simply trying to erect barrier-after-barrier in the hope that the status quo would prevail.

That is not a sustainable approach.

Lancashire businesses are fed up watching investment for Further Education, skills, Innovation Zones, improved transport connectivity, and business support programmes pour into Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.

Lancashire can only hope to win that type of support if we embark on this new opportunity in a positive fashion.

The first page of any devolution story is seldom as dynamic as places hope. But it is the next page, the next chapter, the story’s end that is important.

Will our political leaders work with the business community to write a positive, progressive narrative to build on the introduction – or will they rip up the script before it has a chance to develop? The business community is watching – and our patience is wearing thin.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Frank McKenna

Latest news

1

Latest appointments see CoolKit team grow by 25% CoolKit Early 2024 Appointments

Latest appointments see CoolKit team grow by 25%

14 May 2024

2

Golf club lands planning approval in quest to bring back The Open Royal Lytham Golf Club

Golf club lands planning approval in quest to bring back The Open

14 May 2024

3

Building society wins national customer service award Marsden Bulding Society Customer Service Champion

Building society wins national customer service award

13 May 2024

4

North West business activity growing at increasing pace Pexels Goumbik 590045 Business Growth

North West business activity growing at increasing pace

13 May 2024

5

Colin Mustoe: Putting on a show Colin Mustoe

Colin Mustoe: Putting on a show

14 May 2024

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Reach 50,000 members of the Lancashire business community

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Company profile
Social reach
Magazine coverage
Sign-up
Events
LBV116 Magazine Launch Event
DSC9389
Networking
15 May 2024

LBV116 Magazine Launch Event

Fence Gate, Fence, BB12 9EE

16:00 - 18:00

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network
EVENT LISTING Eden Business Network.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
15 May 2024

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network

The Borough, 3 Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

18:30 - 20:30

Business Networking in Accrington - BNI Zeus
EVENT LISTING SIZING Zeus.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
15 May 2024

Business Networking in Accrington - BNI Zeus

The Mill House, Corn Mill Yard, Accrington, BB5 5HX

06:45 - 08:30

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Diamond
EVENT LISTING BNI Diamond.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
15 May 2024

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Diamond

The Marriot Hotel, Garstang Road, Broughton, PR3 5JB

07:15 - 09:00

How to save money, carbon & energy - FREE 30 minutes online event
BU 2024 Events4.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Webinar
15 May 2024

How to save money, carbon & energy - FREE 30 minutes online event

Online, Blackpool , FY4 1EW

10:00 - 10:30

Society1 Freelancer Meet-Up and Coworking Day
Preston Freelancer Meet up and Coworking Day AT SOCIETY1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 May 2024

Society1 Freelancer Meet-Up and Coworking Day

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 17:00

6 Step Seminar
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
16 May 2024 - 16 May 2024

6 Step Seminar

Lancaster & Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TZ

09:00 - 12:00

Business Networking in Burnley - BNI Kudos
EVENT LISTING BNI Kudos.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 May 2024 - 16 May 2024

Business Networking in Burnley - BNI Kudos

Prairie Sports Village, Windemere Avenue, Burnley, BB10 2FU

06:45 - 08:30

Business Networking in Lancaster - BNI Castle
EVENT LISTING BNI Castle.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 May 2024

Business Networking in Lancaster - BNI Castle

Vale of Lune RUFC, Powder House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 2TT

06:45 - 08:30

How to save money, carbon & energy - FREE 30 minutes online event
BU 2024 Events4.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Webinar
16 May 2024

How to save money, carbon & energy - FREE 30 minutes online event

Online, Blackpool , FY4 1EW

14:00 - 14:30

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Brunch
EVENT LISTING SIZING Brunch .png.png
LBV Hub Networking
17 May 2024

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Brunch

Samlesbury Hotel, Preston, PR5 0UL

09:30 - 11:00

Chamber Business Lunch – May
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
17 May 2024 - 17 May 2024

Chamber Business Lunch – May

The Borough, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

11:00 - 13:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv115 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin