Pendle council considers joining a Lancashire Combined Authority

Councillors in Pendle will decide whether they’d like the borough to join forces with authorities across Lancashire to create a combined authority.

On Thursday (December 17) councillors will debate the proposals which are being, or have been, discussed by 14 other Lancashire authorities.

They will be asked to note the progress made so far and decide whether they want to agree in principle to a Lancashire Combined Authority.

If they give the proposal the green light on Thursday, a formal public consultation will begin in January.

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, said: “Creating a Combined Authority wouldn’t result in councils merging or drastically changing what we’re doing. 
“The idea is for us to work together on some of the bigger issues such as creating jobs, housing, transport and making sure residents have the right skills.

“This move could see Lancashire councils gain more power and more funding from central government.

“Pendle would be an equal player at the table, giving us a strong voice for the area.”
A Combined Authority is a legal body that means councils across a designated area, in this case Lancashire, can work together better and be more accountable to residents.

All 12 district councils, as well as Lancashire County Council and the two unitary authorities – Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool Councils – have been involved in the process.

And this week Pendle Council, Fylde Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, Lancaster City Council, Ribble Valley Borough Council and West Lancashire Borough Council, will be discussing the creation of a Lancashire Combined Authority.

The report (Item 12) is available to view on Pendle Council's website – www.pendle.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/2105/council