The Lancashire Combined County Authority is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 23 June 2026. The agenda includes discussions on skills development, transport strategy, and financial outturns. The meeting will also address the authority's governance and senior leadership structure.

Local Skills Improvement Plan

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). The report outlines government policy regarding LSIPs and the development of these plans in Lancashire, led by the North and West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. The LCCA Skills Advisory Board has supported this development. The meeting will consider a recommendation to approve a supporting statement for the LSIPs, affirming the consistency between the LSIPs, local Growth Plans, devolved skills strategies, labour market priorities, and planned investment. The LSIP itself aims to align post-16 technical education and training provision with local labour market needs, thereby improving productivity, supporting inclusive growth, and strengthening Lancashire's labour market. The plan identifies priority sectors including Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, Construction, Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism, Social Care, Digital, National Security & Resilience, and Clean Energy & Nuclear. Key priorities include developing long-term solutions to shortages in experience, ensuring funding and curriculum changes are having an impact, undertaking further research in changing sectors, tackling persistent shortages in social care, and improving digital skills, particularly in relation to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Post 16 Capacity Fund and FE Teacher Industry Exchange Programme

The meeting will also address the Post 16 Capacity capital fund, which has been devolved to the LCCA. The report details a proposed methodology for allocating these funds to eligible institutions, aiming to expand post-16 training capacity in response to local demand. The proposed approach involves a collaborative process with The Lancashire College principals' group to prioritise college projects. The report also covers the Further Education (FE) Teacher Industry Exchange programme for construction, with a recommendation to award funds to the northwest Construction Technical Excellence College to ensure a coordinated approach.

Local Authority Bus Grant

A proposal to increase the single fare offer funded by the Local Authority Bus Grant is scheduled for discussion. The current £1 fare for evening and Sunday journeys is proposed to increase to £2 from Sunday 13 September 2026 until 31 March 2027. This adjustment is necessitated by reduced funding in 2026/27 and emerging additional costs. The report highlights that the current scheme costs approximately £5 million to run, and the available Local Authority Bus Grant funding for 2026/27 represents a reduction compared to previous years.

Lancashire Integrated Transport Identity Strategy

The meeting will consider the development of a single, integrated transport identity for the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) area. The report highlights the strategic opportunity presented by the LCCA's role as the new transport authority for Lancashire to establish a more integrated and recognisable transport network. The proposal advocates for a phased, cost-effective transition from existing transport branding arrangements, aligning changes with asset renewal and replacement cycles to ensure value for money.

2025/26 Financial Outturn Report

A summary of the 2025/26 financial outturn for the LCCA's Revenue and Capital Budgets will be presented. The report indicates a net underspend of £0.699m on the revenue budget, which will result in an increased contribution to reserves. The capital programme saw significant grant funding received and passported to Constituent Councils, with some grants carried forward to 2026/27. The report also details the reserves position, with a closing balance of £2.435m in the General Reserve.

Lancashire Combined County Authority Senior Leadership Structure

The meeting will address the permanent establishment of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) post for the LCCA. The report outlines proposals for the post, which is currently held on an interim basis. It recommends approving the establishment of a permanent COO role on Chief Officer Terms & Conditions, Director Group 1, and appointing the current interim COO to the permanent position to ensure continuity and avoid further recruitment costs.

Governance Review/Future Devolution

A verbal report is scheduled to provide an update on the Governance Review and future devolution discussions.

Business Board and Advisory Boards Update

Updates are also expected from the Business Board and the various Advisory Boards.