William Eichler 23 November 2023

Autumn Statement: Lancashire devolution ‘amazing news for county’

Autumn Statement: Lancashire devolution ‘amazing news for county’ image
Image: Dave0 / Shutterstock.com.

The Lancashire devolution announcement in the Autumn Statement is ‘amazing news for county’, local authority leaders in the region have said.

The announcement to offer the deal to create a Lancashire Combined County Authority. was made by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt as part of yesterday’s Autumn Statement.

Leaders from Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council have been working to progress a devolution deal over the past six months.

If approved, it would give local leaders extra powers to tackle key priorities such as better public transport, boosting economic prosperity and improving employment and skills.

Cllr Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: ‘The announcement by the Government today is amazing news, and shows the faith the Secretary of State Michael Gove and Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young have in our plans.

‘Alongside my fellow leaders, I truly believe the time is now for a devolution deal for Lancashire.’

Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: ‘It’s a real triumph for everyone involved to have finally made a start on the devolution of powers to Lancashire after many false starts.

‘This will give Lancashire a voice both nationally and, in the North West, allowing the region to start to compete on an even playing field with our neighbours in Manchester and Liverpool.’

Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, added: ‘The people of Blackpool and Lancashire deserve to benefit from devolution. For too long we have watched neighbouring areas benefit, whilst our county has missed out.

‘I am pleased that we can now take this next step forward in securing a deal that will provide tangible benefits and lasting change for our residents and businesses.’

For more on the Autumn Statement check out the following:

Autumn Statement: Hunt devolves but councils face new costs

Autumn Statement: Planning system to prioritise EV charging

Autumn Statement: Hunt announces surprise LGPS plan

Autumn Statement: Unprotected departments face further cuts

Autumn Statement: Level 4 devolution unveiled

Autumn Statement: Business rates measures to be fully funded

Autumn Statement: Councils to be able to recover planning costs

Autumn Statement: Housing benefits unfrozen

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Customer Services Assistant - Visa Checking Service

Essex County Council
Up to £23344 per annum
Customer Services Assistant - Visa Checking ServiceFixed Term, Full TimeUp to £23,344 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Services Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £23344 per annum
Customer Services AssistantPermanent, Part TimeUp to £23,344 per annum (FTE)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker (Level 2)

Wakefield Council
£40,221.00 - £43,421.00, Grade 10, 37 hours, Permanent
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a permanent full time (37 hrs) Senior Social Worker post Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Stores & Infection Control Operative

Wakefield Council
£22,737.00 - £23,114.00, Grade 3, 37 hours, Permanent
Are you interested in working in Adult Social Care? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

CHC Team Manager

Wakefield Council
£43,474.00 - £51,515.00, Grade 12, 37 hours, Permanent
We are looking for an experienced CHC Team Manager to lead our dynamic Continuing Health Care team. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.