The Lancashire Combined County Authority is celebrating its first anniversary, one year after its launch in February 2025, marking a significant milestone in the county’s ambitions to secure greater powers, attract investment, and deliver long‑term benefits for residents and businesses.
Created to champion Lancashire at regional and national level, the LCCA has already made substantial progress in economic development, transport, skills, and employment – laying strong foundations for future growth.
Among the LCCA’s most significant achievements is the adoption of the Lancashire Growth Plan, which maps out £20 billion of public and private investment opportunities across the county.
The plan identifies key strategic sites and priority sectors to unlock Lancashire’s economic potential, strengthen productivity and support long‑term regeneration.
During its first year, the LCCA has overseen £20 million of devolution funding to advance major economic projects, and a further £20 million of government funding invested in business support, employment services and skills provision across the county. These investments are helping stimulate innovation, create jobs and strengthen Lancashire’s competitiveness.
The LCCA has also adopted the Get Lancashire Working Plan, supporting residents who face barriers to employment – including health conditions and other disadvantages – to access jobs, training and tailored support.
This targeted approach aims to boost economic participation and improve opportunities for all communities.
The LCCA also consulted on a new Local Transport Plan, which aims to:
- Transform travel choices
- Integrate new technologies
- Improve local connectivity
- Support economic growth
With Lancashire home to 1.53 million residents and generating £40 billion GVA, improved transport links are seen as central to unlocking long‑term prosperity.
Looking ahead, the LCCA has set out ambitious plans for 2026, including:
- Submitting a £20m bid for Local Innovation Partnership funding to support defence, security and critical national infrastructure growth
- Becoming the Local Transport Authority for Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council on 1 April, securing a £640 million transport funding settlement over four years
- Taking responsibility for the £40 million Adult Skills Fund, supporting over 36,000 Lancashire residents with training and upskilling
- Representing Lancashire at UKREIIF 2026, the UK’s major real estate and infrastructure investment event
Councillor Stephen Atkinson, LCCA Chair and Leader of Lancashire County Council, commented:
"Over the past year, the Lancashire Combined County Authority has shown exactly what can be achieved when we bring our county together with a shared ambition.
"We have already delivered real progress, unlocking millions of pounds in funding to support people and businesses across the county and also identified billions of pounds of investment opportunities.
"Lancashire's residents and businesses deserve the best opportunities, and we are showing that by putting the power in the hands of local leaders we can deliver investment and compete on the regional and national stage."
With a strong platform established, the authority will continue working to secure the powers and funding needed to ensure Lancashire thrives over the next decade.
Image credit: iStock
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