10 IN VIEW
to securing a devolution deal for Lancashire.
“We are convinced this is a good deal for Lancashire and one that builds the foundation for additional deals in the future.
“The timing of a general election means we will not be able to finalise our deal as soon as we would have wished.
“However, we will continue to work together and be ready to conclude this with the new government as we believe this remains a great opportunity for our county.”
County Hall PLACED ON HOLD
Lancashire leaders driving forward the devolution agenda are now waiting to see what happens next after the result of the general election.
The calling of the July 4 poll halted progress on the deal on the table, leaving the county waiting until the formation of a new government before being able to make any further headway.
The calling of the election could not have come at a worse time for the deal, with the then levelling up, housing and communities secretary Michael Gove expected to lay an order in parliament to establish the new combined
authority before the summer recess.
The timetable would have seen the new Lancashire Combined County Authority (CCA) being established by the autumn. That was wiped out by Rishi Sunak’s decision to go to the country.
Blackpool, Blackburn with Darwen and the county council had been working together with central government to secure the deal which would see powers and budgets devolved from Whitehall to Lancashire.
As election campaigning got underway, the leaders of the three local authorities issued a joint statement saying: “We remain committed
OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTANTS DELIVER MUCH MORE THAN NUMBERCRUNCHING
While 95 per cent of SMEs recognise that their accountants have strategic value, only eight per cent rate the service they receive as outstanding.
These findings, from accounting software brand FreeAgent, suggest that the skills on offer from most accountants are not broad enough for the needs of SMEs and that many have not yet realised that numbercrunching alone is no longer enough.
SME owners demand attention to detail, analytical skills and problem-solving, but they also seek support in navigating hurdles and exploring opportunities.
Understanding a client’s business is vital. But to be of real value, an accountant should understand the people behind the business, as well as their personal aspirations and goals.
The strength of many SMEs lies in their ability to experiment and innovate quickly, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve and respond quickly to changing market trends and customer needs.
accountants to tailor their services accordingly.
Unfortunately, many business owners still have a more traditional relationship with their accountants, perhaps meeting just once or twice a year, usually to discuss historic figures.
Chris Brown, Brown & Co
However, many SME owners can sometimes work too much ‘in’ the business rather than ‘on’ it. The risk is reacting to issues as they arise, rather than proactively anticipating what could happen in six months’ time. This is where an ‘outstanding’ accountant comes in.
While larger organisations are likely to have in-house expertise, SMEs will typically rely on external advice. Therefore, regular open and honest conversations between accountants and SME owners on company goals and challenges are essential. This will also allow
www.brownandco.uk
Accountants can and should be an extension of the SME, acting as a fully outsourced finance function (including FC and FD roles) and working with them on at least a monthly basis – if not weekly.
This ‘new’ way of working has been fundamental to the success of many SMEs, enabling them to tap into the accountant’s knowledge and expertise across all areas of business, and providing them with greater business insights to help with decision making and strategic direction.
A collaborative approach helps strengthen the SME and provides opportunity for growth. That’s what sets the outstanding accountants apart from the rest.
The CCA would provide a single body for the whole of the county to champion its interests, deliver on local priorities and provide greater local accountability and decision-making powers.
Under the deal on the table, an initial £20m capital funding would be unlocked when parliamentary approval is secured to support innovation led growth and net zero ambitions across Lancashire.
Under the devolution framework, it was proposed that further powers and funding would then be devolved to the CCA including for adult education.
A public consultation showed the majority of respondents supported the deal. Many of Lancashire’s largest and most strategic employers and organisations, including all five universities operating in the county, also showed their approval through both the formal consultation and by letters of support.
However, a number of district councils in the county have said they could not support the deal in its present form.
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