Government set to release £20m in preparation for new combined authority

The Government is set to release £20million of funding in preparation for the setting up of Lancashire's new Combined County Authority (CCA).

The money, which was agreed as part of the county's Devolution Deal, will be used to fund a number of projects supporting place-based economic regeneration, innovation-led growth and net zero ambitions.

The schemes proposed to receive funding are:

• £6million for an Innovation Hub at Samlesbury Enterprise Zone;
• £2million for Silicon Sands – Low Carbon Data Centre, Blackpool Enterprise Zone;
• £6million for the Innovation Quarter, Blackburn Town Centre;
• £4million for new town centre offices for the Department for Work and Pensions, Blackpool Town Centre;
• £2million for Cosy Homes in Lancashire – a £41million energy efficiency home upgrade grant scheme which benefits all areas of the county.

Members of Lancashire County Council's cabinet will be asked at a meeting today to approve making the authority the accountable body for the funding, and any further funding, prior to the CCA being set up.

This will allow the council to receive the £20m of funding and in conjunction with both Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen Council manage the distribution of it locally to support each of the recipient projects.

Subject to final parliamentary approval, it is hoped that the new CCA will be up and running early next year.

The CCA aims to give Lancashire a stronger voice on the regional and national stage ensuring the county does not miss out on vital funding and other opportunities.

It would not require any changes to the established county, borough, or district councils across the area, who will continue to deliver local services.

Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "This funding is just the first pot of money which will come to Lancashire thanks to the new CCA.

"These schemes are a great illustration of the type of projects we want to support, which we know will make a lasting difference in the county.

"Each scheme will have real tangible benefits, helping to innovate and create jobs, and in the case of Cosy Homes help some of our most vulnerable residents keep warm using the latest technology.

"The Innovation Hub located at Samlesbury Enterprise Zone, will be a new, exciting, space that allows Lancashire businesses, residents and key sectors to engage with National Cyber Force and the businesses within their supply-chain.

"This will open up new jobs, technologies and opportunities across the Lancashire economy strengthening our capacity to embrace innovation and drive growth."

Councillor Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “The initially agreed projects will start us on the journey of a new way of working with Government for the benefit of the whole of Lancashire once the County Combined Authority is formally established.

“We are looking forward to seeing a new digital and creative business hub be created as a direct result of the devolution deal funding.

"The former St John Church in Blackburn town centre will get a new lease of life and the Making Rooms, home of innovative technical developments for all to use, will be extended. These are all designed to make sure we are well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities ahead and our borough’s entrepreneurial spirit.”

Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool council said: “The initial release of £20m worth of funding from central Government to be spent within the Lancashire Combined Authority area is fantastic news. It’s a historic moment and signals the start of this new way of working where we will have more control over local decision and the funding that supports those decisions.

 “The projects being funded in Blackpool are of strategic importance to us. The new town centre offices for the DWP will bring over 3,000 workers into the centre of Blackpool.

 “Silicon Sands is a forward looking project that will bring new, high quality tech jobs to Blackpool. Starting with a small data centre at the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, it will bring a new industry and investment to Blackpool while also tackling the climate emergency at the same time."