A significant step forward has been toward the formation of the new Lancashire Combined County Authority.
Parliament has seen the Statutory Instrument that will enable the new authority to be formed laid, whilst the organisation’s first shadow meeting was held in Preston ahead of the new year bringing the first full authority meeting.
This comes after £20 million of funding was confirmed as being released by the government, to create the new authority. That investment will fund a number of projects to support place-based economic regeneration, innovation-led growth, and net zero projects.
Once the authority comes into existence, further powers and funding will be unlocked for adult education, transport, employment, and skills.
Overall, the work of the combined county authority will be to address years of low investment in the area, whilst allowed accelerated growth for communities. This will be done with the single body championing the interests of the county, delivering on local priorities, and providing a greater level of accountability and decision-making.
Lancashire County Council Leader Cllr Phillippa Williamson 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."
The formation of the authority comes after an eight-week public consultation, the results of which saw the majority of respondents in support of the move. Some of these respondents include all four of the county’s universities and business across every sector of the local economy.
Councillor Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, also commented:
“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."
Image credit: Lancashire County Council
