Councils set for further talks on a combined authority for Lancashire

***Issued on behalf of Lancashire's 15 local councils***

Leaders of Lancashire's county, unitary and district councils are to seek agreement from fellow councillors to enter detailed discussions about the possibility of forming a Lancashire-wide combined authority.

The subject was discussed at the latest meeting of Lancashire council leaders earlier today and it was agreed that each one would now seek the support of their local councillors for further work to take place.

The concept of a combined authority involves a group of councils retaining their local identities and services while collaborating formally over specific strategic issues, primarily around transport, regeneration and the economy.

The 15 councils in Lancashire – the county council, the 12 district councils and the unitary councils for Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen – have held informal discussions about the concept in light of the national debate about devolution, with the potential benefits of a combined authority including decisions on key issues being made more locally, more quickly. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority was recently granted additional powers and budgetary responsibilities by the Government in the first agreement of its kind.

Subject to councils agreeing to more detailed work being carried out, discussions in Lancashire will now turn to what the specific responsibilities of a combined authority might be and how each council would be represented in such an arrangement.

For further information please contact: Stephen Axon on 01772 533 194