Lancashire ready to talk terms on a ‘no Mayor’ devolution deal

John Chesworth, Cllr Phillippa Williamson, Alex Turner and Manesh Pandya

Lancashire’s political leaders have thrashed out the basis of a devolution deal and are ready to talk with government to bring jobs and investment to Lancashire.

Earlier this year, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove told an audience at the Convention of the North in Manchester that he wanted to see a deal for Lancashire and was looking forward to starting discussions.

They are to propose a combined county authority (CCA) model, comprising Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackpool Council and act as a trailblazer for other local authorities which may also be considering a devolution deal.

All of Lancashire’s 15 local authorities have been involved in talks to prepare the ground for a devolution deal through enhanced collaborative working and the Lancashire 2050 framework.

The framework, which was unveiled in November, is designed to ensure all 15 councils are aligned on key county-wide issues such as economic prosperity, skills and employment, transport and infrastructure, environment and climate, and housing.

They believe a great deal, bringing millions of extra pounds to the area, can be secured without the need to create an elected mayor.

The talks would also give leaders the opportunity to explore how a deal could address economic challenges facing some parts of Lancashire.

Cllr Phillippa Williamson, Conservative leader of Lancashire County Council and chair of Lancashire Leaders, said: “We’re really excited at the prospect of working with Government on a devolution deal for Lancashire.

“Michael Gove gave an undertaking that he wanted to do a deal with Lancashire and we are ready to have that conversation and to develop that deal.

“This meeting will be a valuable opportunity for us to define our ambition here in Lancashire, including setting out our economic strengths, sectors, skills and development progress.

“While it is still at an early stage, we will also be able to explore emerging governance proposals for a deal and a possible timetable.

“I very much look forward to these discussions.”

At a TheBusinessDesk.com round table in Preston earlier this year, as part of the Invest North series (pictured) Williamson insisted her role was as a “key enabler to business”.

“I’ve put a lot of effort over the last 18 months into really building relationships between all the local authorities across Lancashire to talk as one with one voice. But crucially, my particular work coming out of all of that is to present a credible voice to government as a local authority. We want to be seen as people who can you can do business with that can actually help you fix stuff. And we’re starting to see that.”

Cllr Phil Riley, Labour leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: “We are open to any conversation which leads to a devolution deal as it’s something that can only benefit our residents.”

Lynn Williams, Labour leader of Blackpool Council said: “The people and businesses of Blackpool and Lancashire deserve to benefit from devolution. I welcome any opportunity to discuss how we can make progress.

“We are clear that we will consider all necessary models to bring the powers and resources that we need to deliver a better future for all.”

 

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