A significant milestone has been reached in establishing the new Lancashire Combined County Authority (CCA), with the Statutory Instrument required for its formation being laid before Parliament. The inaugural shadow meeting of the organisation also took place at County Hall in Preston, laying the groundwork for the authority's first official gathering in the coming year.
Coinciding with the celebration of Lancashire Day today, which is observed annually on November 27, two key developments were unveiled during a reception attended by the business community and key stakeholders. Following the signing last November and confirmation in September, the Government has already allocated £20 million in funding towards the devolution deal to establish the CCA.
This funding will support various initiatives, including those aimed at economic regeneration, innovation-driven growth, and achieving net-zero targets. Additional powers and resources related to adult education, transportation, employment, and skills will be made available once the new authority is operational, reports .
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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."
The upcoming CCA is set to address long-standing underinvestment in the region with aspirations to drive accelerated growth. It will function as the primary entity to advocate for the county’s interests, meet local needs, and enhance regional accountability with amplified decision-making authority.
Blackburn with Darwen council leader, Councillor Phil Riley, 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."
He said he hoped to maximise the benefits of devolution for Lancashire communities, with transportation and skills development as priorities. As a result, Lancashire aims to have a more influential voice both regionally and nationally, collaborating with businesses and public service entities, including district councils, to ensure cohesive progress.
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An eight-week consultation gained overwhelming support from a majority of residents as well as all four Lancashire universities and diverse business sectors, endorsing the establishment of the CCA.
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."
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