The new Lancashire combined county authority has officially come into being.
Jim McMahon, the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, has signed off on the new authority, granting new powers to decision makers in Lancashire.
Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council have been working together to create the new combined authority.
Cllr Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, described the moment as a ‘hugely significant achievement for our county’.
Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: ‘It’s been a long haul, but this final step is evidence of the ability of the three major councils to work together for the betterment of the whole of Lancashire.’
Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, added: 'For our residents it means we can make more decisions about local issues locally and we have already seen some investment in Blackpool as a result of this.’
