Downtown consults business community over devolution

The Lancashire business community has given its support to the concept of devolved powers for the county, at an event run by business lobbying organisation, Downtown in Business.

She thanked Downtown for bringing together business leaders and explained: “Lancashire is not the poor relation to Manchester or Liverpool, we are the third largest economy in the North and we are ready to state the case for being a driving force within the ‘Northern Powerhouse’.

The delegates explored which areas should be included in the proposal to government via a series of workshops. There was universal support for devolution from business leaders who urged the inclusion of health and social care as a key area, as well as the supporting the priorities already identified including skills, transport, and economic development, housing and digital links.

Downtown chief executive, Frank McKenna said: “This is about making better use of our resources and creating a model that works for Lancashire. I know there is concern about our local authorities working together but we are engaging with business communities across the country via the Downtown network and many places are experiencing similar challenges.