Menu

Lancashire devolution deal could be made by end of November

Posted on - 19th October, 2023 - 5:00pm | Author - | Posted in - Politics, Preston News
County Hall in Preston, home of Lancashire County Council
County Hall in Preston

The leaders of Lancashire’s three main councils have expressed their delight at an indication from the government that a long-awaited devolution deal for the county could be on the table in little more than a month.

Levelling Up minister Jacob Young said in the Commons on Monday that he hoped to be able to announce the details “in advance of Lancashire Day”, which is on November 27.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands that the public remarks came as an unexpected – but welcome – development to Lancashire County Council and Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen councils, the so-called “top-tier” authorities which have been taking the lead in discussions with the government.

Read more: Storm Babet on the way as heavy rain warning in place for Preston and Lancashire

It is believed that the conclusion of a deal before Christmas was the most optimistic of the timeframes considered possible by the leaders of those councils after Mr. Young’s predecessor, Dehenna Davison, expressed her commitment to the process back in July.

If and when a proposal emerges, it would then be subject to public consultation – likely to last between six and eight weeks – and would also have to be approved by the same trio of councils involved in creating the new structure that would be set up to oversee the additional powers and cash that a devolution deal would bring.

That would involve the formation of a new combined county authority (CCA) on which the county council and standalone Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen authorities would sit as voting members.

There was disquiet amongst some of Lancashire’s dozen district councils earlier this year when a previous proposal for the devolution arrangements to be governed by a committee of all 15 local authorities in the county was scrapped after the government stipulated that only top-tier councils could belong to a CCA.

However, Lancashire County Council leader Phillippa Williamson has since been at pains to stress that the districts would still have “a voice” in the new set-up.  The LDRS understands that their involvement may be secured via associate membership for two district leaders who could represent the wider group of second-tier councils Preston and Pendle.

Speaking to the LDRS on behalf of all three top-tier authorities, Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Phil Riley said of Jacob Young’s comments in the Commons chamber: “We had a very positive meeting with the minister [on Monday] and we were delighted by his remarks in the House of Commons.

“We absolutely now look forward to working with him and his officials to get to a celebration [of devolution] on Lancashire Day.”

County Cllr Williamson said at a meeting of Lancashire County Council last week – before the ministerial statement –  that a devolution deal would mean “more decisions about key issues affecting our communities can be made here in Lancashire rather than at Westminster.

She added: “We will be better placed to tackle key local properties, improve employment and skills and boost economic prosperity. It will ensure that the region can compete on a level playing field with our neighbours, such as Manchester and Liverpool, giving Lancashire a stronger voice right across the North West and beyond.”

Mr. Young’s comments about the hoped-for timetable for a deal came in response to a question from South Ribble MP Katherine Fletcher asking whether the government intended to “look favourably” Lancashire’s devolution pitch.

Commons Speaker and Chorley MP Sir Lindsay Hoyle also seemed to press for more district council involvement in the process, commenting on Mr. Young’s revelation of a meeting with top-tier Lancashire leaders:  “I am sure that the minister should meet the district leaders as well.”

Read moreSee the latest Preston news and headlines

Share
Preston in pictures Sentinel Shunter Ribble Rail Sentinel 33027 Jim MartinThe Old Taxi Rank, Preston Bus StationPreston Market at night.Preston Bus StationPreston Bus StationPreston - former Martins Bank, 181 Friargate 241019 2 View more
Advertisement
Subscribe to the newsletter

Sign up below to receive Blog Preston's email newsletter. It wings its way into inboxes every Sunday and Wednesday rounding up our top stories and more.

Advertisement
News by location

Find news by location, select an area of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

The Preston Guide

Discover local businesses and services near you.

Advertisement
Categories

Find news by category, select an category of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

Blog Preston email updates

Receive our digest of the biggest and best stories every Sunday to your email inbox

We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time from our emails