Agenda item

To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive.

The Executive Leader presented a report which updated Members on progress in the development of proposals for a Combined Authority for Lancashire and seeking formal agreement from Chorley Council to become a constituent member.

The Council had considered initial proposals in November 2015 to form part of the Combined Authority and following further development work, including a governance review and a period of public consultation, more detailed proposals were before Councillors for consideration. In summary:

·         The Lancashire Combined Authority would provide a legally constituted body operating across Lancashire to take strategic decisions on transport, economic development, and regeneration and strengthen the relationship with the LEP and local authorities;

·         A range of ambitions had been developed for Lancashire, with the key themes of Prosperous Lancashire; Connected Lancashire; Skilled Lancashire; Better Homes for Lancashire; and Public Services Working Together for Lancashire;

·         All the district councils in Lancashire (except Wyre); the two unitary authorities; and the County Council were expecting to become constituent members;

·         The scheme of governance provided one vote per local authority (excluding transport matters); each local authority to be represented by their Leader; there would also be scrutiny arrangements; and Councils would meet core costs, which would be kept to a minimum.

The public consultation exercise conducted during January and February 2016 showed that 70% of those who responded, were strongly or generally in agreement, with the establishment of a Combined Authority. The Shadow Authority would start to meet after the election period starting in July and at a later stage, a Parliamentary Order would be required to formally create the Lancashire Combined Authority. 

Lancashire Leaders had been working together on the Combined Authority plans over many months and had also considered devolution proposals to give greater control and influence over for example, strategic transport and development, employment and skills programmes, housing, growth funding and investment. Devolution proposals were subject to separate discussion and negotiation and would come back to the Council for a further decision in due course.

In discussion, Members raised questions regarding the Council’s position in relation to seeking unitary status; the link between devolution proposals and elected mayors; and the position of those authorities who didn’t join the Combined Authority or withdrew at a later stage. The Leader assured members that any devolution discussions would be subject to a further decision by full Council.

Councillor Paul Leadbetter, Leader of the Conservative Group thanked Councillor Bradley for taking a leading role in Lancashire on the Combined Authority work and gave his full support to the report.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader proposed, Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member for Resources, seconded and it was RESOLVED -