Yahoo News New Lancashire Combined County Authority takes major step forward
A major step forward has been taken in the formation of the brand new Lancashire Combined County Authority (CCA).
The Statutory Instrument, enabling the formation of the new body, was laid in Parliament yesterday (Tuesday, November 26). The organisation also held their first shadow meeting at County Hall in Preston to prepare for the first full meeting of the authority in the new year.
Celebrating Lancashire Day today, which always falls on November 27, two major developments were announced at a reception attended by businesses and major stakeholders. Signed last November and confirmed in September, already the Government has given £20 million of funding for the devolution deal to create the CCA.
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A number of projects will be funded, including supporting place-based economic regeneration, innovation-led growth and net zero ambitions. Further powers and funding for adult education, transport, employment and skills will also be unlocked when the new authority comes into being.
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."
CCA will help to address historic low investment in the area and provide accelerated growth. It will act as a single body to champion its interests, deliver on local priorities and provide greater local accountability and decision-making powers.
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, 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.
"It’s a very positive step forward after a lot of uncertainty about what the future looks like. We are all fully focused on making sure communities across Lancashire benefit from devolution with transport and skills high on the agenda."
Lancashire will therefore have a stronger voice on the regional and national stage, working in partnership with business and public service providers, including district councils.
An eight week public consultation showed the majority of respondents, including all four of Lancashire Universities as well as businesses across every sector of industry and the economy, supported the creation 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."
