4


So finally, after many false starts, public disagreements and much frustration, Lancashire has been offered its devolution deal by the government.


There will be no Andy Burnham style elected mayor for the county to rally round or to press Lancashire’s case nationally and internationally. We understand the concerns many have about that.


The role that the district councils will play in the new Combined Authority also remains uncertain and certainly the modest amount of cash that goes with the deal on the table isn’t going to go far.


However, this needs to be seen for what it is – a starting point and the best chance Lancashire has to finally get on the devolution bus and begin its journey.


What has to be remembered here is that Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region were not just handed the deals they have now on day one.


The large sums of money they are working with and the wide range of powers they now have over a host of strategic policy areas are the result of hard work to build


Richard Slater, chairman


richard@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295584


on initially modest agreements.


Both our neighbours have also delivered positive outcomes as a result of their growing devolution deals – giving those in Whitehall’s corridors of power confidence to hand over more cash and powers.


Lancashire is a long way behind them. We have so much ground to make up and that will only happen if we all embark on


difference to people’s lives and to drive their local economies forward.


We also call on our leaders to ensure that Lancashire’s business community has its say and that its voice is genuinely listened to, not just in the run up to devolution but once the combined authority is up and running.


We have so much ground to make up and that will only happen if we all embark on the journey ahead in a positive fashion


the journey ahead in a positive fashion, committed to making devolution work in the county’s favour.


So, we urge our politicians to all look at the bigger picture. It’s not where you start a journey that is important, it’s the destination.


That destination must be to have the kinds of budget and powers that the city regions are now using to make a real


Stephen Bolton, managing director


stephen@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295583


Lancashire Business View is written, designed and produced by Northpoint Publishing.


Rachael Norris, marketing & events director


rachael@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295586


EDITORIAL


Ged Henderson, editor


editor@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585


SALES


Joanne Hindley, sales director


joanne@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585


SUPPORT


Abbey Coates, operations manager


abbey@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585


Anna King, senior administrator


anna@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295582


Kath Bell, LBV Hub manager


kath@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 07385 381073


Tim Aldred, online editor


tim@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 297870


Olivia McCaughran, assistant marketing manager


olivia@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295587


Lancashire Business View and LBV are registered trademarks.


The views expressed by our columnists are not necessarily shared by Lancashire Business View.


Photography: Clive Lawrence, Liz Henson Photography


Artwork: Adam Varnom Printers: Peter Scott Printers, Burnley


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t: 01254 297870 ISSN: 1757-479X


The deal calls for a strong and independent local business voice in the form of a Lancashire Business Board which will form local decision making and strategic economic planning.


It needs to be truly independent and fully representative of the businesses that are the driving force of the county’s economy.


And it must be listened to.


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