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IN VIEW
DEVO DEAL BOOST: BUT THERE’S STILL A LONG WAY TO GO
Special report by Ged Henderson
It was an announcement that came out of the blue. The statement from all Lancashire’s council leaders that they had agreed in principle to explore a combined authority was seen as a major step forward on the road to devolution.
There is no doubt that June’s surprise announcement was a big boost for supporters of a Lancashire devo deal and the massive economic boost they believe it would deliver.
It followed years of stalemate in the county which has seen its devolution hopes stall, while the neighbouring city regions of Greater Manchester and Liverpool have pushed forward with elected mayors and local control of key parts of their economies and budgets.
The Lancashire leaders’ agreement is seen as the start of negotiations with the government to set up a combined authority and to get the deal finally done. The prize is great - devolution could deliver Ł900m to Lancashire over the course of 30 years.
Alyson Barnes, leader of Rossendale Council, chairs the District Leaders Forum and is in no doubt what has driven the breakthrough. She says: “The interest in a combined authority for Lancashire stems from the ability to access greater government funding to assist the growth of businesses and stimulate the economy.”
The interest in a combined authority for Lancashire stems from the ability to access greater government funding
Michael Green, the county council’s cabinet member for economic development, agrees. He says. “It’s a great opportunity for Lancashire.
“It is very much about the ability to access additional government funding which will allow us to grow the economy and assist businesses to grow, creating employment opportunities and improving skills.”
All positive stuff for devolution supporters. However, despite the breakthrough, notes of caution are being sounded. And there is still a long road ahead if Lancashire is to get its deal with the government. It won’t happen overnight.
The statement, issued on behalf of all 15 local authority leaders, said that a “unanimous decision” had been taken for the councils to work together more closely to improve the economy of Lancashire, addressing issues such as transport and inward investment.
It went on: “All councils in Lancashire agree to continue to explore the possibility of working together with our local authority partners to investigate setting up a combined authority to embrace the county’s future economic opportunities.”
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