Formation of Lancashire Combined County Authority takes major step forward

Lancashire's devolution deal has taken a major step forward.

Yesterday the Statutory Instrument which will enable the formation of the new body was laid in Parliament.

The first shadow meeting of the organisation was also held at County Hall in Preston, in preparation for the first full meeting of the authority in the new year.

The two major developments were announced at a reception attended by businesses and major stakeholders to celebrate Lancashire Day.

Already the Government has released £20million of funding agreed as part of the devolution deal to create the new Lancashire Combined County Authority, which was signed last November and confirmed in September.

The money will fund a number of projects supporting place-based economic regeneration, innovation-led growth and net zero ambitions.

Further powers and funding for adult education, transport, employment and skills will also be unlocked when the new authority comes into being.

The CCA aims to help address years of historically low investment in the area and provide a platform for accelerated growth. 

It will provide a single body for the whole of the to champion its interests, deliver on local priorities and provide greater local accountability and decision-making powers. 

In partnership with business and public service providers, including district councils, it aims to give Lancashire a stronger voice on the regional and national stage, ensuring greater benefit from funding and other opportunities. 

An eight week public consultation showed the majority of respondents, including all four of Lancashire universities as well as businesses across every sector of industry and the economy, supported the creation of the CCA.

Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "This is another major step towards the setting up of the CCA and we are now within touching distance of its creation.

"I passionately believe that the new authority is in the best interests of our residents and businesses, and means that more decisions affecting local people can be made right here in Lancashire.

"For us the formation of the CCA is just the beginning of what we hope to achieve and we will be looking for every opportunity to bring more money and powers to our county once it is up and running."

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “ We are pleased that the government has listened to Lancashire and has started the parliamentary process towards devolution. We are ready to work with them on the next stage.

"It’s a very positive step forward after a lot of uncertainty about what the future looks like. We are all fully focused on making sure communities across Lancashire benefit from devolution with transport and skills high on the agenda.”

Councillor Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We are now starting to see some progress and momentum around the establishment of a Combined County Authority. With the release of £20 million from Government and now also the ability to form a new body which will deliver some key strategic projects for the benefit of our communities.

 “On Lancashire Day it seems fitting that these significant milestones have been achieved. We are at the beginning of our devolution journey and I’m really pleased that these important steps have been taken. I very much look forward to exploring what else devolution could deliver for our residents across Blackpool and Lancashire."

Speaking at the event, Lynn Williams added the journey to a combined authority had 'started over a decade ago' and 'there have been many false starts and trips down blind alleys'.

"The first meeting of the CCA will be in February 2025 - a dawn for a new era for Lancashire," she said.