One week left to give views on devolution proposal

People who live and work in the county are being urged to have their say on a devolution proposal which would create a new Combined County Authority for the region.

Leaders from Lancashire County, Blackburn, with Darwen and Blackpool councils have also thanked the many people and organisations who have already submitted their views as part of the consultation, which launched on December 1.

The consultation is a chance for residents, businesses and anyone else in the region to give their feedback on a number of important areas included in the proposal.

These include improving public transport, boosting economic prosperity, and improving employment and skills.

Views are also being sought on net zero and climate change, culture and tourism, and digital and cyber.

If the proposal is implemented, existing funding and powers will move from the Government in London to Lancashire.

The deal aims to give Lancashire a stronger voice on the regional and national stage, ensuring the county does not miss out on vital funding and other opportunities.

It would not require any changes to the established county, borough, or district councils across the area.

It would also not require an elected mayor, as the CCA would be made up of existing elected councillors, or require an extra charge on council tax.

Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of the county council, said: “This is a really important step for the county and we really want to hear what people think of the devolution proposal.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has already taken the time to fill in the consultation questionnaire, as well as those who have attended our engagement events across the county.

"With one week to go, there is still an opportunity to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of Lancashire. There are also still a number of engagement events at local libraries where people can drop by and ask any questions they may have."

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Thank you to all residents, businesses and organisations who have taken time to have their say on the deal or taken the trouble to come to one of our drop-in events. There has been lots of positive debate.

“This is a good deal for Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire as a whole so I hope as many people as possible read the proposal and then contribute to the consultation.”

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council said: “With just one week left to go on the consultation for Lancashire Devolution it really is important that everyone who wants to has their say on Devolution and the future of Lancashire and Blackpool.

 “If you haven’t yet managed to give your view or look at what it all means please do so over this next week.

 “It is really easy to do, there are questionnaires you can pick up from all Blackpool libraries or if you call Customer First we can get one out to you. All the information about it and the survey is also online”.

To take part in the consultation visit https://ipsos.uk/Lancashiredevolution

More information about the devolution deal can also be found at www.lancashiredevolution.co.uk 

Notes to Editors

Public drop in events have been taking place across the county to allow people to ask questions about the devolution proposal.

Next week's planned events are: 

• Monday 22 January – 6pm to 7pm in Colne Library, Market Street,  Colne, BB8 0AP  
• Monday 22 January – 6pm to 7pm in Skelmersdale Library, Southway, Skelmersdale, WN8 6NL
• Tuesday 23 January – 6pm to 7pm in Haslingden Library, Higher Deardengate, Haslingden, Rossendale, BB4 5QL
• Wednesday 24 January – 6pm to 7pm in Fulwood Library, 294 Garstang Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9RX
• Thursday 25 January – 6pm to 7pm in St Anne's Library, 254 Clifton Drive South, Lytham St Annes, FY8 1NR