Minister spells out the county’s mayoral authority opportunities

The potential opportunities that an elected mayor could unlock for Lancashire were spelled out at a meeting between its political leaders and a senior government minister.

The leaders of Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council held the talks with devolution minister Jim McMahon at County Hall.

The three leaders collectively head the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) – created following the county’s non-mayoral devolution deal.

On the agenda was the future of Lancashire’s devolution journey, with the leaders receiving further information from central government to help inform ongoing discussions and any potential next steps.

It is understood the minister told them mayoral devolution for Lancashire was a priority both for him and the Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

He also held out the prospect of the county being given additional devolved powers, alongside a cash sum equal to what similar sized counties that have completed a deal have received. It has been widely reported the figure could be £1bn over a 30 year period.

Following the talks the three leaders issued a joint statement. It said: “The meeting was a positive and constructive discussion which has helped inform ongoing conversations about the future of devolution in Lancashire.

"The minister provided further information for leaders to consider, including the potential opportunities that could come through a mayoral combined authority model and how these could support Lancashire's ambitions for growth, investment and public services.

“We will now take time to consider the information provided and discuss any potential next steps.

“Any proposal would need to be approved by each of the constituent councils and the Lancashire Combined County Authority before being formally submitted to government.”

The idea of an elected mayor for Lancashire has long been a divisive subject in the county’s local politics. The result has been what has been called a ‘level two devolution deal’ - a combined county authority (CCA), bringing with it less cash and powers than the agreements reached between central government and the mayoral authorities.

The debate continues to rumble on in Lancashire, even while neighbouring Cumbria and Cheshire and Warrington work towards their mayoral elections in 2028.

The CCA is a partnership between Lancashire County Council and the current unitary authorities of Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool.

Stephen Atkinson, the Reform leader at County Hall, was quoted in the local media in August declaring he would not agree to a directly elected mayor until the government set out exactly what the financial benefits might be.

He said: “We will not go any further with this until we understand what the funding is and whether it's going to cost Lancashire residents more money without any reward.”

His stance has been in stark contrast to the pro mayor Labour leaders of Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen councils, Lynn Williams and Phil Riley. Councillor Riley has also warned time is running out for Lancashire to hold a mayoral election in 2028.

Mo Isap, who chairs the Lancashire Business Board, part of the CCA, has condemned the fact the county does not have an elected mayor as 'catastrophic'. He has warned that Lancashire is losing an estimated £1.4m a day in devolution funding as a result.

Frank McKenna, group chair and chief executive of county based business organisation Downtown in Business, has also criticised Lancashire’s approach to devolution as “wrongheaded”.

He said: “I once described Lancashire as being in the slow lane of devolution. That assessment now feels generous. The county has pulled over to the hard shoulder while other places forge ahead.

“Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region already have powerful mayors, mature combined authorities and increasingly influential relationships with Whitehall. Cheshire and Cumbria join them next year.

“They are gaining greater control over transport, housing, skills, strategic planning and investment. They are building recognisable propositions, attracting private capital and speaking to government with a single, authoritative voice.

“Lancashire is still discussing whether it wants to get in the game. This failure has consequences. It is costing the county investment, influence and economic growth.

“The current mayor free settlement leaves Lancashire operating at the lowest level of the devolution framework, with fewer powers and less financial flexibility than mayoral strategic authorities.”

He added: “Discussions with government have suggested that a deeper deal could bring an investment fund worth around £35m year for 30 years – more than £1bn.

“That is before we consider the wider benefits of stronger transport powers, control over skills, strategic housing and regeneration, and the ability to develop a serious, long term investment pipeline.

“Lancashire’s politicians need to explain why they are prepared to put all of that at risk.

“The familiar objections to an elected mayor no longer stand up. This is not about creating another ceremonial position or imposing an unwanted personality on the county. It is about establishing visible, accountable leadership with the authority to negotiate with government and champion Lancashire nationally and internationally.”

There is business backing for more devolved powers - but support for an elected mayor depends on funding and value for money, research published in September revealed.

The cautious backing for a mayoral authority was given in a survey, which was carried out by the county’s chambers of commerce.

However, the survey revealed support is conditional on it bringing with it meaningful powers, additional funding and delivering value for money, without increasing costs for businesses or council taxpayers.