‘Don’t put devo in deep freeze’

A Lancashire business group has warned the government’s review of local government reorganisation must not be allowed to derail the county’s wider devolution and economic growth agenda.

The call from Downtown in Business (DIB) follows the government’s announcement of a rapid review of its local government reorganisation programme following updated legal advice.

The decision means plans to replace Lancashire’s existing 15 councils with four new unitary authorities have been paused. Reorganisation decisions affecting 13 other parts of England will also be reviewed, while plans covering Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk have been withdrawn.

Downtown in Business group chairman and chief executive Frank McKenna said the review provided an opportunity to address legitimate concerns about the process, but warned against further delaying Lancashire’s devolution journey.

He said: “The government is right to ensure any reform of local government is lawful, financially sustainable and capable of improving services.

“However, local government reorganisation and devolution are not the same thing. A pause in the debate about council boundaries must not become an excuse to put the transfer of powers, resources and economic decision making to Lancashire into the deep freeze.

“Businesses are less interested in the number of councils or councillors than they are in outcomes. They want better transport, a skilled workforce, quality housing, a strong investment proposition and political leadership capable of getting things done.

“Lancashire has spent too many years debating structures while Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region and other mayoral areas have moved forward. The county cannot afford to lose further ground.”

DIB is calling for the review to be completed quickly and transparently, with business given a meaningful role in shaping the next stage of the process.

Frank, also a Lancashire Business View columnist, added: “The government now has an opportunity to separate the important task of securing meaningful devolution from the increasingly confused argument over council boundaries.

“Ministers should use this review to establish a workable structure that reflects Lancashire’s economic geography and commands local confidence. Above all, they must provide certainty about the timetable for devolution and the election of a Lancashire mayor.

“Simpler local government may be desirable, but structural reform is not an economic strategy. Investment, infrastructure, skills and growth must remain the priority.”

Downtown in Business (DIB) is a business organisation that has offices in Lancashire, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Cheshire and London. Its membership represents a diverse range of sectors.