The results are in on the proposal for a Combined Authority for Lancashire

Over the last few months each of the councils in Lancashire has been discussing the idea of creating a Combined Authority for Lancashire.

Over the last few weeks a public consultation on the proposals has been running. This is now closed. Thanks to everyone who took part. 

Over the coming weeks all the councils will decide individually whether they’re happy to submit a proposal to the Government  to go ahead with plans to create a combined authority. In Burnley this will happen on 13th April. 

Read press release here.

To see full details of the consultation click here. 

What is a Combined Authority?

Lancashire's councils already work closely together but a combined authority is a formal, legal step that means councils can act as one authority in the best interests of Lancashire around the areas of economic regeneration, housing and transport.

A combined authority is:

• a formal, legal step to allow councils to work more closely together in a more structured way
• a move to improve economic development, skills and transport to benefit the whole county.

A combined authority is not:

• a merger or take-over of councils or a unitary council
• a giving-up of powers by individual councils.

The creation of a Combined Authority is something that is being replicated across the country with many bids already approved by the Government.

What are the benefits of becoming a combined authority?

A combined authority means that councils can work as one democratically accountable body around the key areas of economic development, regeneration and transport to:

• avoid duplication and provide more efficient services
• create a stronger basis for bidding for Government and EU money
• make best use of council and Government money
• speed up decision-making.

A combined authority could streamline services, be more transparent and efficient, and make it easier for Lancashire to attract investment and jobs.

FAQs

We’re sure you’ll have plenty more questions so you can see a full list of frequently asked questions here .

Report to full council December 2015 (starting pg 23)

Next steps

Once the consultation has ended each of the councils taking part will take a report to their Full Council meeting for councillors to see what residents and businesses think about the idea. They will then take a decision as to whether they want to progress to submitting formal bid to Central Government. We will post the results of the consultation here once it is completed.