Positive dialogue at meeting to discuss devolution deal for county
Representatives from Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackpool Council have met with Government officials to begin a conversation about the possibility of creating a combined county authority (CCA) and securing Lancashire's first devolution deal.
The meeting last week saw a very positive dialogue around what a devolution deal for the county might look like and how it might build on the collaboration in place and boost delivery of the Lancashire 2050 strategic framework.
Speaking jointly after the meeting, Cllr Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: "This meeting was an important first step to allow us to set out how a devolution deal could work in Lancashire and the many benefits it could bring.
"To get to this stage has been a real partnership effort, and we feel that together we have put forward a really compelling proposition.
"As council leaders our commitment has always been to deliver great things for all the residents of our county.
"This is underlined through the Lancashire 2050 framework, which is designed to ensure Lancashire's 15 councils are aligned on key county-wide issues such as economic prosperity, skills and employment, transport and infrastructure, environment and climate, and housing, all of which will benefit the whole county.
"Now we are looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting down to the hard work of progressing this devolution plan, working closely with our district colleagues and other key stakeholders."