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

Director of People

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. County hall
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Director of Strategy and Transformation

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. Preston, Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Care and Support Assistant -Longlands

West Northamptonshire Council
13.52ph
About the role We are looking for a dedicated Care and Support Worker to join our team at Longlands Care Home in Daventry. In this rewarding role, you will provide compassionate, person-centred care to older people and those living with dementia, includin Daventry
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Highway Design and Construction Manager

Bolton Council
Grade N, scp50 £62,443 to scp53 £65,663 per annum, plus essential car user allowance
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Council

Social Worker - Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 - £40,777
Looking to appoint as a Level 2 or Level 3 Social Worker. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner